Device for preparation of gelatin-based products

ABSTRACT

Methods and systems are provided for preparing a gelatin-based product. In one example, a device for preparing the gelatin-based product includes a mixing chamber for mixing a gelatin based powder with one or more liquids to form a liquid gelatin mixture, a chilling module for cooling the mixture, and a dispensing system for serving the hardened mixture. In some examples, the device may include a first mixing chamber for mixing the gelatin based powder with heated water to form a first liquid mixture, a second mixing chamber for mixing the first liquid mixture with an alcoholic beverage to form a second liquid mixture, a first chilling module for cooling the second liquid mixture prior to dispensing the second liquid mixture, and a second cooling module for hardening the second liquid mixture after it has been dispensed into one or more serving cups.

BACKGROUND/SUMMARY

Gelatin-based food products are food products made with gelatin, asubstance commonly used as a gelling agent in food, pharmaceuticals, andcosmetic manufacturing. Gelatin-based food products can be made bycombining plain gelatin with other ingredients or by using a premixedpowder blend of gelatin with additives. The powdered blend may bedissolved in hot water and then chilled for a period of time to allowthe product to set (e.g., gel). Fully prepared gelatin food products aresold in a variety of forms, ranging from large decorative shapes toindividual serving cups. Certain gelatin food products are oftenreferred to by the generic term, jello.

A popular recipe of a gelatin-based product calls for the addition of analcoholic beverage (e.g., rum or vodka) to the gelatin mix, to createalcoholic gelatin-based food products (often referred to by the term,jello shots). When packaged individually into individual serving sizesor cups, these products may be referred to as gelatin-based shots. Theseproducts are often made and sold in bars, restaurants, night clubs, andresorts. The production of gelatin-based products may take a significantamount of time and manual energy. For example, from start to finish,making a single batch of gelatin-based food products may take four hoursor more. This time may include a time to set or gel the product, as wellas preparation and clean-up time. Serving large amounts of gelatin-basedfood products may require substantial kitchen and refrigeration space tobe used for preparation and housing until the gelatin-based shots areserved and sold. Additionally, manually preparing the gelatin-basedshots with multiple pieces of equipment may increase the likelihood ofcontaminating the shots and/or result in an inconsistent end product(e.g., some batches may turn out better than others).

In one example, the issues described above may be addressed by a devicefor preparing a gelatin-based product. In one representation, a devicefor preparing a gelatin-based product may comprise a pod receptacleadapted to receive a removable consumable pod and including a door witha needle coupled to an interior surface of the door, a mixing chamberspaced away from the pod receptacle and fluidly coupled to the needleand a first liquid reservoir, a first chilling module fluidly coupled tothe mixing chamber, a slideable drawer including a tray including aplurality of slots for receiving a plurality of fluid vessels, and adispensing manifold fluidly coupled to the first chiller module andpositioned vertically above the drawer. In one example, the device mayfurther include a hot water tank positioned on an opposite side of themixing chamber relative to the chilling module. As a result, thegelatin-based shots may be produced more rapidly over conventionalmethods. Additionally, the majority of the steps of the shot-makingprocess may be contained within the device, thereby increasingefficiency, decreasing a risk of contamination, and reducing timepreviously required for set-up, preparation, and clean-up. Further, bypositioning the hot water tank on an opposite side of the mixing chamberrelative to the chilling module, a length of fluid lines included in thedevice may be reduced and an amount of heat transfer between thechilling module and the hot water tank may be reduced. As such, theefficiency of the hot water tank and the chilling module may beincreased, and the gelatin-based shots may be produced more rapidly.Reducing the length of fluid lines reduces complexity and cost of thesystem, and may also reduce the size, power, and cost of various pumpsincluded in the system for pumping fluid through the fluid lines.

It should be understood that the summary above is provided to introducein simplified form a selection of concepts that are further described inthe detailed description. It is not meant to identify key or essentialfeatures of the claimed subject matter, the scope of which is defineduniquely by the claims that follow the detailed description.Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited toimplementations that solve any disadvantages noted above or in any partof this disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a device used to prepare agelatin-based product, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 2 shows a first front exterior perspective view a device used toprepare a gelatin-based product, such as the device shown in FIG. 1, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 3 shows a second front exterior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2 where an access door and drawer of the device are open, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 shows a back exterior perspective view of the device of FIG. 2where doors and drawers of the device are open, in accordance with oneor more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 shows a third front exterior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2 where a dispensing manifold of the device is removed, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6A shows an exploded view of the dispensing manifold shown in FIG.5, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6B shows a bottom view of the dispensing manifold shown in FIG. 5,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6C shows a first cross-sectional view of the dispensing manifoldshown in FIG. 5, in a dispensing position, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6D shows a second cross-sectional view of the dispensing manifoldshown in FIG. 5, in a cleaning position, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6E shows a more detailed front perspective view of the dispensingmanifold shown in FIG. 5, in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 7 shows a first front interior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 8 shows a first top perspective view of a pod receptacle, includedin the device shown in FIG. 2 and configured to receive a consumablecartridge, with an injection needle in a disengaged position, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 9 shows a second top perspective view of the pod receptacle shownin FIG. 8, with the injection needle in an engaged position, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 10 shows a first back interior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2, exposing a coolant tank and chilling module of the device, inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 11 shows a more detailed view of the coolant tank shown in FIG. 10,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 12 shows a side perspective view of the chilling module shown inFIG. 10, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 13 shows a second front interior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 14 shows a second back interior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 15 shows a third front interior perspective view of the device ofFIG. 2, exposing the chilling module, a mixing chamber, and a hot watertank of the device, in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 16 shows a top perspective view of the chilling module shown inFIG. 10, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom perspective view of the drawer shown in FIG. 3,in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18A shows a flow chart of a first portion of an example method forpreparing a gelatin-based shot in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 18B shows a flow chart of a second portion of the example methodintroduced in FIG. 18A for preparing a gelatin-based shot, in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 19 shows a flow chart of an example method for tracking usage of adevice for preparing gelatin-based shots, such as the device shown inFIG. 1, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 20 shows a flow chart of an example method for analyzing usage dataof a device, such as device shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 2-17 are drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description relates to systems and methods for thepreparation of gelatin-based products. Specifically, gelatin-basedproducts may be prepared using a single and contained device, such asthe device shown in FIGS. 1-17. In one example, the gelatin-basedproducts may include gelatin mixed with other ingredients. For example,a gelatin powder may be mixed with water and, optionally, alcohol toform a liquid gelatin mixture. The device shown in FIGS. 1-17 may be anautomatic gelatin shot-making machine. Thus, the device may beconfigured to automatically make a consumable product containinggelatin. The device may include one or more water reservoirs and alcoholreservoirs, as well as a space (e.g., slot) for receiving a consumablecartridge. The consumable cartridge may contain dry ingredientsincluding gelatin power and possibly additional dry additives (such asvitamins or additional flavoring). A specific amount of water may beadded to the dry ingredients in the consumable cartridge to dissolve thedry ingredients. The resulting mixture may then be pumped out of thecartridge and combined with additional water and/or alcohol in a mixingchamber. From the mixing chamber, the mixture may be directed through achilling block of a chilling module where the mixture is cooled via oneor more chilling devices. After being cooled, the liquid gelatin mixtureis routed to a plurality of dispensing heads, where the mixture isdispensed into individual serving cups. The gelatin mixture may befurther chilled in the cups to form a gelatinous and solid gelatin-basedproduct. The gelatin-based product within individual serving cups may bereferred to herein as shots and thus the device may be referred toherein as a shot-making device. Processes for making the gelatin-basedshots using the device and also for operating the device in differentoperational states are shown in FIGS. 18A-20. After chilling the filledcups for a period of time, the shots may be complete and ready forconsumption. A user may then remove the completed shots from the device.

Once all the necessary ingredients are loaded into the device, all thesteps for making a batch of gelatin-based shots are performed within thedevice. Thus, the mixing and chilling may be fully-contained within onedevice. In another example, the mixing may be fully-contained within onedevice, while the chilling may be done external to the device. Further,the chilling may be performed more quickly with a chiller module of thedevice than conventional chilling methods for making gelatin-basedshots. By automating the shot-making process, shots may be made moreefficiently, thereby saving a user's time and money. Additionally, themixing and chilling process of the device ensures the consistency of theshots. In one example, businesses such as bars, night clubs,restaurants, hospitals, and/or resorts may utilize the device to moreefficiently prepare gelatin-based shots for their customers.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic of an embodiment of a machine or device 100 forthe preparation of gelatin-based food products. In particular, FIG. 1 isa two-dimensional schematic diagram showing components of the device 100and how they are fluidly coupled to one another. As such, the actualsizes and relative positions of the components of the device 100 may bedifferent than shown in FIG. 1. FIGS. 2-17, described further below, arethree-dimensional schematics of the device 100 showing the relativesizes and positions of the components within the device. As such, thefunction of each component may be described with reference to FIG. 1while the positioning of each component within the device may bedescribed with reference to FIGS. 2-17. FIGS. 2-17 are drawn toapproximately to scale. As such FIGS. 2-17 show the relative sizes andpositioning of the components of the device 100.

Further, FIGS. 1-17 show an axis system 192 including a vertical axis194, a horizontal axis 196, and a lateral axis 198. The axis system 192may be used to reference the relative positioning of components of thedevice 100. For example, components may be referred to as “above” or“below” one another with respect to the vertical axis 194. Movement ofcomponents in the vertical direction refers to movement along thevertical axis 194, and movement of components in the horizontaldirection refers to movement along the horizontal axis 196, and movementof components in the lateral direction refers to movements along thelateral axis 198.

In one example, the device 100 may be referred to as a shot-makingdevice. Generally, the device 100 is configured to prepare multiplesingle servings of a gelatin-based product. In one embodiment, thedevice 100 may be configured to prepare gelatin-based shots containingalcohol. In other embodiments, the device 100 may be configured toprepare gelatin-based shots containing non-alcoholic beverages such asfruit juice, energy drinks, and soft drinks. In further embodiments, thedevice 100 may be configured to prepare gelatin-based shots containingvarious consumable products such as fruit, vitamins, supplements, etc.

Turning to FIG. 1, a first embodiment of the shot-making device 100 isshown. The device 100 includes a device housing 102 and a user interface104. A controller 106 within the housing 102 communicates with the userinterface 104. In one example, the user interface 104 may be atouchscreen display coupled to an exterior of the housing 102.Specifically, the user interface 104 may be a graphical user interfaceused for the configuration, maintenance, and operation of the device100. In one example, the user interface 104 may be coupled to a side ofthe exterior of the housing 102. Specifically, the user interface 104may be positioned on a front face of the housing 102, above a slideabledrawer (e.g., drawer 172) of the device 100. In another example, theuser interface 104 may be a touchscreen display on a remotely locatedcomputer, tablet, or mobile device that communicates wirelessly with thecontroller 106. In yet another example, the user interface 104 mayinclude a series of buttons positioned on the exterior of the housing102. In this way, the user interface 104 may be electrically coupledand/or wirelessly coupled to the controller 106.

The device 100 may be wirelessly connected to a remote server 105 via awireless network. Although a single remote server is shown in theexample of FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that the device 100 may bewirelessly connected to two or more remote servers of a wireless networksuch as a cloud computing arrangement. Specifically, the controller 106may include a communication module that may enable wirelesscommunication between the controller 106 and the remote server 105.Wireless connectivity with the remote server 105 may be used to trackusage of the device 100, device operating conditions, user preferences,shot consumption rates, alcohol consumption, etc. The remote server 105may analyze the information received from the controller 106, andgenerate activity reports, usage reports, etc., that may then be sent tothe device 100 and/or displayed to a user.

Further the remote server 105 may utilize the received information todiscern trends and/or patterns to formulate user preferences, predictfuture orders, and send alerts and/or notifications to the user.Additionally, the server 105 may analyze the information received fromthe controller 106 to diagnose and/or detect component failure and/ordegradation. The remote server 105 may send an alert to the user toclean a component of the device 100, when a failure of that component isdetected. In other examples, the remote server 105 may send anotification to a user to place an order for additional cartridgesand/or alcohol, based on a most recent order, user preferences, andbased on the usage rates of the alcohol and/or gelatin powder containingcartridges.

Additionally, the remote server 105 may send updates to the controller106. For example, the remote server 105 may send the controller updatedalcohol and gelatin cartridge information, advertisements which may betailored to the user based on the user preferences, updated controlroutines that may be executed by the controller 106, cleaning schedules,etc. In this way, operation of the device may be remotely tracked andmonitored by the remote server 105.

The device 100 may further include a power adapter 190 and/or connectorfor connecting the device 100 to a power source (e.g., a wall outlet).In other embodiments, the device 100 may include a battery and bebattery operating. Controller 106 may receive electrical power from thepower adapter 190. The controller 106 may distribute electrical power tovarious components of the device 100 such as pumps, motors, valves,sensors, and other electrically powered components of the device 100.Thus, the controller 106 may adjust operation of the various componentsof the device 100 by manipulating a voltage and/or current supplied tosaid components. For example, and as explained in greater detail below,the controller 106 may adjust operation of device components based on atype of gelatin mixture and/or alcohol admitted into the device 100.

The device 100 may operate in a plurality of modes such as a shot-makingmode and a cleaning mode. In some examples, the user may select adesired mode via the user interface 104. Additionally or alternatively,the controller 106 may switch between modes based on current operatingconditions. For example, the device 100 may run in the cleaning modeonce the shots have been made and the shot-making mode has beenterminated. In the shot-making mode, the device 100 may prepare aplurality of consumable, gelatin-based shots, which may include one ormore of alcohol, vitamins, fruit, juices, etc. The cleaning mode maycomprise flowing water or another cleaning fluid through the fluid linesand reservoirs of the device to clear residual gelatin mixturetherefrom. Further, a user may remove various components of the devicesuch as drawers and containers for cleaning thereof.

FIG. 1 shows how components of the device 100 are fluidically coupled toone another. First, a description of fluid flow through the device 100in the shot-making mode is provided, followed by a description of fluidflow through the device 100 in the cleaning mode.

Inside the housing 102, the device 100 includes a consumable cartridgereceptacle (also referred to herein as pod receptacle) 107, and one ormore liquid reservoirs, such as alcohol reservoir 108. It should beappreciated that although in the example of FIG. 1 only one alcoholreservoir is shown, more than one alcohol reservoir may be included inthe device 100. In some examples, the alcohol reservoir 108 and/or thepod receptacle may be permanently secured to the housing 102. However,in other examples, the alcohol reservoir 108 and/or the pod receptacle107 may be removably coupled to the housing 102. A user may removeand/or access the alcohol reservoir 108 and pod receptacle 107 via adoor 110 positioned on a wall (e.g., top wall) of the housing 102directly above the alcohol reservoir 108 and pod receptacle 107.

Before initiating the shot-making mode, a user may open the door 110 andfill the alcohol reservoir 108 with an alcoholic beverage or otherconsumable liquid. The user may additionally or alternatively load aconsumable cartridge (also referred to herein as pod) 112 into the podreceptacle 107. Loading of the consumable pod 112 may comprise insertingthe pod 112 into the pod receptacle 107, and then adjusting an injectionneedle to penetrate the pod 112. The pod receptacle 107 may beconfigured (e.g., sized and/or shaped) to receive one or more pods. Insome examples, the pod 112 and pod receptacle 107 may include matingfeatures adapted to interface with one another to physically secure thepod 112 and pod receptacle 107. After inserting the pod 112 into the podreceptacle 107, the user may then adjust the position of an injectionneedle 114 to an engaged position, which may comprise puncturing the pod112 with the injection needle 114. Thus, the user may push the needle114 through a wall of the pod 112 (e.g., top wall of the pod 112), suchthat the needle 114 extends into the interior of the pod 112. Theengaged position of the needle 114 therefore, may be a position wherethe needle 114 extends into the interior of the pod 112.

The consumable pod 112 may be a container containing dry ingredientssuch as gelatin powder. In one example, the pod 112 may be a rigidcontainer. In another example, the pod 112 may have a shape such asrectangular, square, or cylindrical. Additionally, the pod 112 may besingle use (e.g., only used for one batch of shots).

In examples where more than one alcohol reservoir 108 is included in thedevice 100, each of the alcohol reservoirs may contain a different typeof alcohol. In other examples, the alcohol reservoir 108 may containnon-alcoholic liquids such as fruit juice, energy drinks, and softdrink. Further, solid items such as vitamins, supplements, and fruit maybe deposited into the alcohol reservoir 108. The alcohol reservoir 108may be covered by the door 110 and may be sealed at all openings orports such that the alcohol within the reservoirs may not becontaminated. In one example, the alcohol reservoir 108 may comprise arectangular cross-section and may be made of a material able to contactfood products such as food grade plastic.

Before or after loading the consumable pod 112 and/or filling thealcohol reservoir 108, a user may be prompted via the user interface 104to identify the cartridge type and/or alcohol type of the pod 112 andalcohol, respectively, in the device 100. The cartridge type may includeone or more of a manufacturer, flavor, size, product identificationnumber, serial number, etc., of the pod 112. Similarly, the alcohol typemay include one or more of a liquor type, brand, manufacturer, productidentification number, etc., of the alcohol in the alcohol reservoir108.

Thus, a request may be presented to the user on the user interface 104for the user to identify the cartridge type and/or alcohol type. In oneexample, the device 100 may include a product identification barcodescanner 115 for identifying the consumable cartridge and/or alcoholtypes. The scanner 115 may be one of a laser, LED, pen-type, RFID, etc.,type scanner. The scanner 115 may be positioned on an interior surfaceof a wall (e.g., front wall) of the device 100. In this way, a user mayhold the pod 112 and/or alcohol bottle near the scanner 115, exterior tothe housing 102, and the scanner 115 may identify the cartridge and/oralcohol type based on a barcode or other identifying label of the pod112 and/or alcohol bottle. Each pod 112 may therefore include anelectronic indicator, identifier tag, or other electronic label (e.g.,microchip) readable by the scanner 115. Consumable data contained withinthe electronic identifier tag may then be transferred to the controller106 from the scanner 115. In one example, consumable data may includeone or more of a number of shots to be made from the consumable pod 112,a flavor of contents (e.g., dry ingredients) within the pod 112, anexpiration date of the contents within the consumable pod 112, amanufacturing data of the pod 112, and/or a manufacturer of theconsumable pod 112.

In another example, the user may select the cartridge type and/oralcohol type from a list of consumable cartridges and/or alcohol types,presented to the user via the user interface 104. For example, a catalogor library of consumable cartridges and/or alcohols may be stored inmemory of the controller 106. The user may search the catalog based on amanufacturer, liquor type, etc., via the user interface 104. Further,the user may search a most recent list of alcohols and/or cartridgesused in the device 100.

Further, based on the type of cartridge and/or alcohol identified by theuser or scanner 115, the controller 106 may look up product informationfor the pod 112 and/or alcohol, specific to the cartridge and/or alcoholtype. Thus, the controller 106 may store product information for eachtype of pod 112 and/or alcohol in non-transitory memory, such as in alook-up table. The product information for the pod 112 and/or alcoholmay therefore be accessed from the look-up table based on the identifiedcartridge and/or alcohol type. The cartridge product information mayinclude the manufacturer, cartridge size, flavor, gelatin power amount,etc., of the pod 112. Similarly, the alcohol product information mayinclude the manufacturer, liquor type, alcohol concentration, flavor,etc., of the alcohol.

After the pod 112 has been loaded, and one or more consumables have beeninserted into the alcohol reservoir 108, the user may initiate theshot-making process via one or more buttons or touch screens included onthe device 100, such as via user interface 104. In other examples, thecontroller 106 may initiate the shot-making process in response to anindication that the pod 112 has been loaded into the pod receptacle 107,one or more consumables have been inserted into the alcohol reservoir108, and the door 110 is closed. The device 100 may include varioussensors for detecting current operating conditions of the alcoholreservoir 108, door 110, and pod 112. For example, the device 100 mayinclude a flow meter or fluid level sensor for determining an amount ofalcohol in the alcohol reservoir. Further, a position sensor may beincluded within the door 110 for estimating a current position of thedoor 110.

The shot-making process may comprise a first mixing phase where thegelatin powder in the pod 112 is mixed with hot water, a second mixingphase where alcohol and/or additional water is added to the mixture, afirst chilling phase where the mixture is cooled to a first thresholdtemperature, a dispensing phase, where the mixture is dispensed into oneor more serving cups, and a second chilling phase where the dispensedmixture is cooled and hardened.

To begin the shot-making process, water from a hot water tank 116 may beintroduced into the pod 112. Thus, the shot-making process may beginwith the first mixing phase, where water is added to the pod 112 andmixed with the dry gelatin powder contained within the pod 112. The hotwater tank 116 may include a heater 118 for heating water included inthe tank 116. Tank 116 may receive water from a water source via a waterinlet port 117 which may be integrated into the housing 102 forreceiving water from a secondary source. In one example, the secondarywater source may be a larger water reservoir external to the device 100.In another example, the secondary water source may be tap water. Watermay be supplied to the hot water tank 116 from the water inlet port 117via a first water line 119. In some examples, a first valve 120 may bepositioned in the first water line 119 for regulating an amount of watersupplied to the hot water tank 116. First water line 119 may thereforebe coupled on a first end to the water inlet port 117 and on an oppositesecond end to the hot water tank 116.

In the description herein valves may in some examples be passive valvessuch as wax thermostatic valves that adjust position and flowthere-through in response to changes in operating conditions. However,in other examples, one or more of the valves in the device 100 may beelectrically actable valves, where the position of the valves may beadjusted by an actuator of the valve based on signals received from thecontroller 106. In this way, the controller 106 may send signals to theactuator of the valve to adjust the position of the valve. The actuatormay be mechanically coupled to the valve. In this way, electricalsignals (e.g., voltage and/or current) received from the controller 106may be converted into mechanical movement of the valves.

Valves may be binary valves that may be adjusted between open firstpositions and closed second positions. In other examples, one or more ofthe valves may be continuously variable vales and may be adjusted to theopen first position, closed second position, and any positionthere-between. In the closed second position, substantially no fluid mayflow through the valves, and an amount of fluid flowing through thevalves may increase as the valve deflects towards a more open position,away from the closed second position, where an opening formed by thevalve may increase as the valve is adjusted towards a more openposition. In yet further examples, the valves may be three-way valves.

Returning to the description of the hot water tank 116, the heater 118may heat water in the water tank 116 to a threshold or desiredtemperature. Specifically, the controller 106 may be in electricalcommunication with the heater 118, and may adjust operation of theheater 118 (e.g., controller 106 may adjust a voltage and/or currentsupplied to the heater 118) to heat the water in the water tank 116 tothe desired temperature. The desired temperature may be a temperaturethat causes dry ingredients in the pod 112 to dissolve. In someexamples, the desired temperature may be approximately 212° F. However,in other examples, the desired temperature may be a range oftemperatures between 150° F. and 212° F. In yet further examples, thecontroller may adjust and/or set the desired hot water temperature basedon the cartridge and/or alcohol type. The temperature of the water inthe tank 116 may be estimated based on outputs from a thermocouple orsuitable temperature sensor coupled to the tank 116.

The hot water tank 116 may include a fluid level sensor for estimatingan amount of water in the tank 116. The controller 106 may regulate anamount of water flowing to tank 116 by adjusting of the valve 120 basedon the estimated amount of water in the tank 116. Thus, the controller106 may regulate water flow into the tank 116 to maintain a desiredamount of water in the hot water tank 116.

When the water in the hot water tank reaches the desired temperature andthe shot-making process is initiated, the controller may adjust a secondvalve 122 coupled in a second water line 121 between the hot water tank116 and the pod 112 towards a more open position. Thus, water from thehot water tank 116 may flow through the second water line 121 inresponse to opening of the second valve 122. Second water line 121 mayfluidically couple the hot water tank 116 and pod 112. Specifically, thesecond water line 121 may be coupled one a first end to the hot watertank 116, and on an opposite second end to the injection needle 114, fordelivering water from the tank 116 to the injection needle 114. A firstflow meter 124 may be positioned in the water line 121 for limiting anamount of hot water supplied to the pod 112. The first flow meter 124may track the amount of water passing through the second water line 121and into the pod 112, and may cause the valve 122 to close once therequired volume of water has been metered to the pod 112. The amount ofhot water supplied to the pod 112 may be adjusted (e.g., by thecontroller 106) based on the cartridge type. For example, more hot watermay be supplied for larger cartridges 112 containing more gelatin power.The amount of hot water supplied to the tank 116 may be adjusted bymanipulating the position of the valve 122, and/or by regulating anamount of time the valve 122 is held open.

The injection needle 114 receives hot water from the tank 116, anddirects the hot water into the pod 112. Thus, the gelatin powderincluded in the pod 112 mixes with the hot water and dissolves. Thewater and gelatin mixture may be referred to herein as a first liquidgelatin mixture. To increase the commingling of the water and gelatinpowder, a mixing motor 126 may be physically coupled to the podreceptacle 107. The pod receptacle 107 may be rotated and/or oscillatedby the motor 126. In one example the motor 126 may be a stepper motor.The motor 126 may be turned on for a duration (e.g., by the controller106) to mix the water and gelatin powder. In some examples, the durationmay be a preset value or range of values, and in other examples, theduration may be determined by the controller 106 based on the cartridgeand/or alcohol type.

In some examples, the motor 126 may be turned on once the temperature ofthe water in the water tank 116 reaches the desired temperature.Additionally or alternatively, the motor 126 may be turned on inresponse to a determination that a pod 112 has been loaded in the podreceptacle 107. In yet further examples, the motor 126 may be turned ononce the valve 122 is opened and water from the water tank 116 isflowing into the pod 112. The motor 126 may rotate the pod receptacle107 according to a pre-determined agitation profile to mix contents ofthe pod 112 with the heated liquid (e.g. water) received from the hotwater tank 116. Mixing may occur for duration until all the fluid anddry ingredients are fully dissolved. In alternate embodiments, the podmay also be configured to receive solid consumables such as fruit,supplements, and vitamins. As such the solid consumables may beliquefied in the pod 112 through the mixing process and mixed with thedry and fluid ingredients in the pod 112.

In some examples, water from the water inlet port 117 may be directlyrouted to the pod 112 without passing through the hot water tank 116 viaa third water line 127. Third water line 127 may be fluidically coupledto the first water line 119 and the injection needle 114 for deliveringcooler water from the water inlet port 117 to the pod 112. Thus, thewater flowing through third water line 127 may be at a lower temperaturethan both the water in the water tank 116, and the water flowing fromthe tank 116 to the pod 112 via the second water line 121. A second flowmeter 128 may be positioned within the third water line 127 for limitingan amount of water flowing to the injection needle 114 and pod 112. Flowmeter 128 may be the same and/or similar to flow meter 124 describedabove.

Once the first liquid gelatin mixture is mixed (e.g., the gelatin powderis dissolved in the water), the gelatin mixture may be pumped out of thepod 112 through the needle 114, via a first pump 130 towards a mixingchamber 132 to begin the second mixing phase. The pump 130 may becoupled in a first liquid gelatin mixture line 134. The first liquidgelatin mixture line 134 may be coupled on a first end to the needle114, and on an opposite second end to the mixing chamber 132. In oneexample the first pump 130 may be a peristaltic pump. The first liquidgelatin mixture mixes with a secondary liquid in the mixing chamber 132,where the secondary liquid may comprise one or more of alcohol and/orwater. Thus a desired amount of the secondary liquid may be mixed withthe first liquid gelatin mixture in the mixing chamber 132.

Alcohol from the alcohol reservoir 108 may be pumped to the mixingchamber 132 via an alcohol line 135. Specifically, the alcohol line 135may be coupled to the alcohol reservoir 108 on a first end and to themixing chamber 132 on an opposite second end for flowing alcohol fromthe reservoir 108 to the mixing chamber 132. The alcohol line 135includes a valve 136, a flow meter 138, and a second alcohol pump 140.The valve 136 may be positioned proximate to a bottom face of thealcohol reservoir 108, for example, the valve 136 may be coupled to thebottom face of the alcohol reservoir 108. Controller 106 may adjust theposition of the valve 136 by adjusting a current and/or voltage suppliedto an actuator of the valve 136. Alcohol may be supplied to the mixingchamber 132 by opening the valve 136 and powering on the pump 140.Second alcohol pump 140 may in one example be a peristaltic pump. Pump140, therefore pumps alcohol from the alcohol reservoir 108 to themixing chamber 132, to mix with the first liquid gelatin mixture. Flowmeter 138 may be the same or similar to flow meter 124 described above.

Further, flow meter 138 may be used to track alcohol consumption. Thus,the flow meter 138 may be used to estimate an amount of alcohol in thealcohol reservoir 108, based on an amount of alcohol exiting the alcoholreservoir 108 via the flow meter 138. In this way, the controller 106may monitor an amount of alcohol in the alcohol reservoir 108, based onalcohol flow rates through the flow meter 138. When the alcohol volumein the alcohol reservoir 108 decreases below a threshold, the controller106 may generate a notification to a user to refill the alcoholreservoir 108 and may present the notification to the user on the userinterface 104. In this way, a user may be alerted when alcohol levels inthe alcohol reservoir 108 are low, and additional alcohol needs to beadded to the alcohol reservoir 108.

Alcohol from the alcohol reservoir 108 may be delivered to the mixingchamber 132 before, during and/or after the first liquid gelatin mixtureis delivered to the mixing chamber 132 via line 134. The timing andamount of alcohol delivered to the mixing chamber 132 may be adjusted byone or more of manipulating the position of the valve 136, adjusting anamount of time the valve 136 is held open, adjusting a speed of the pump140, and adjusting an amount of time the pump 140 is turned on. Thus,the valve 136 is adjusted and the pump 140 is turned on to deliver adesired amount of alcohol to the mixing chamber 132.

In some examples, the desired amount of alcohol may be a pre-set amount,or may be in a pre-set range of values. In other examples, the desiredamount of alcohol may be adjusted based on a number of shots to be made.In yet further examples, the desired amount of alcohol may be determinedand/or adjusted based on the type of cartridge and/or type of alcohol.The desired amount of alcohol may further be adjusted based on an amountof powder and/or dry ingredient in the pod 112 as determined based onthe cartridge product information, and/or a size of the pod 112. Instill further examples, the desired amount of alcohol to be supplied tothe mixing chamber 132 may be adjusted based on a desired alcoholcontent of the shots. For example, a user may input and/or select adesired alcohol concentration for the shots via the user interface 104.The controller 106 may determine a desired amount of alcohol required toachieve the desired alcohol concentration based on the alcoholconcentration of the alcohol in the alcohol reservoir 108, and anestimated volume of the first liquid gelatin mixture. Thus, the alcoholconcentration of the shots may be user-adjustable.

The mixing chamber 132, therefore receives the first liquid gelatinmixture from the pod 112, and in some examples may additionally receivealcohol from the alcohol reservoir 108. As such, the first liquidgelatin mixture and the alcohol mix in the mixing chamber 132 to form asecond liquid gelatin mixture. The mixing chamber 132 includes a mixingelement 142 to increase commingling of the first liquid gelatin mixtureand the alcohol. In some example the mixing element 142 may be a passivemechanical device that mixes the alcohol and the first liquid gelatinmixture as they enter the mixing chamber 132. However, in otherexamples, the mixing element 142 may an actively controlled device, andmay be coupled to an actuator 143. The actuator 143 may be controlledbased on signals received from the controller 106, for rotating and/oradjusting the mixing element 142. The actuator 143 may powered on untilthe alcohol and first liquid gelatin mixture are mixed and form a secondliquid gelatin mixture. Actuator 143 may also be referred to herein asmotor 143.

In other examples, cold water from the water inlet port 117 may be mixedwith the first liquid gelatin mixture in the mixing chamber 132. Thus,colder water from the water inlet port 117 may be directly routed to themixing chamber 132 without passing through the hot water tank 116. Assuch, the mixing chamber 132 may be fluidically coupled to the waterinlet port 117 via a water line such as line 127. Thus, water flowinginto the mixing chamber 132 from the inlet port 117 may be at a lowertemperature than first liquid gelatin mixture. Additionally oralternatively, hot water from the hot water tank 116 may be routed tothe mixing chamber 132 to mix with the first liquid gelatin mixture.Thus, the mixing chamber 132 may be fluidically coupled to the hot watertank 116 via a water line 133. A valve 167 positioned in the water line133 may regulate an amount of water flowing from the hot water tank 116to the mixing chamber 132. The water line 133 may additionally include aflow meter 169. Flow meter 169 may be the same or similar to flow meter124 described above.

Water from one or more of the hot water tank 116 and/or inlet port 117may be delivered to the mixing chamber 132 before, during and/or afterthe first liquid gelatin mixture is delivered to the mixing chamber 132via line 134. The timing and amount of water delivered to the mixingchamber 132 may be adjusted to deliver a desired amount of water.Further, the relative amount of water delivered to the mixing chamber132 from the hot water tank 116 and inlet port 117 may be adjusted toachieve a desired temperature of water.

The desired amount of water may be a pre-set amount, or may be in apre-set range of values. In other examples, the desired amount of waterto be added to the mixing chamber 132 may be adjusted based on a numberof shots to be made. In yet further examples, the desired amount ofwater may be determined and/or adjusted based on the type of cartridgeand/or type of alcohol. The desired amount of water may further beadjusted based on an amount of powder and/or dry ingredient in the pod112 as determined based on the cartridge product information, and/or asize of the pod 112. In still further examples, the desired amount ofwater to be supplied to the mixing chamber 132 may be adjusted based ona desired alcohol content of the shots.

Further, the desired amount of water may be adjusted based on a volumeof alcohol delivered to the mixing chamber 132 from the alcoholreservoir 108. In some examples, substantially no alcohol may bedelivered from the alcohol reservoir 108 to the mixing chamber 132.Thus, in some examples, a user may desire to make non-alcoholic shots,and as such, alcohol may not be added to the first liquid gelatinmixture. Thus, in some examples, only water may be added to the firstliquid gelatin mixture in the mixing chamber 132 to form the secondliquid gelatin mixture. Thus, in some examples, the second liquidgelatin mixture may not include alcohol.

The amount of water provided to the mixing chamber 132 may therefore beadjusted based on an amount of alcohol provided to the mixing chamber132. Together, the alcohol volume and water volume provided to themixing chamber 132 may be adjusted to achieve a desired liquid volume.Thus, a desired amount of secondary liquid, which may be a combinationof one or more of alcohol and water, is added to the first liquidmixture in the mixing chamber 132. The desired amount of secondaryliquid to be added to the first liquid mixture in the mixing chamber 132to form the second liquid gelatin mixture may be approximately 25 fluidounces. However, the desired amount may be greater or less than 25 fluidounces depending on a desired number of shots to be made, size of theshots, etc. An amount of water to be added to the mixing chamber 132 maydepend on the amount of alcohol added to the mixing chamber 132, andthus may vary from 10-25 fluid ounces. However, in other examples lessthan 10 fluid ounces of water may be added to the mixing chamber 132. Insome examples, substantially no water may be added to the mixing chamber132. In yet further examples, more than 25 fluid ounces of water may beadded to the mixing chamber 132.

Thus, during the second mixing phase, alcohol from the alcohol reservoir108 and/or water from one or more of the hot water tank 116 and waterinlet port 117 may be mixed with the first liquid gelatin mixture in themixing chamber 132. In some examples, the first liquid gelatin mixtureand the alcohol may be held in the mixing chamber 132 for duration.After the duration, and/or once the first liquid gelatin mixture and thealcohol are mixed, the second liquid gelatin mixture is pumped out ofthe mixing chamber 132 towards a chilling block 144 of a first chillingmodule 147 to begin the first chilling phase. In other examples, thefirst gelatin mixture and/or alcohol may continually be circulatedbetween the mixing chamber 132 and the chilling block 144. Thus, thefirst chilling phase may comprise flowing the second liquid gelatinmixture through the chilling block 144 of the first chilling module 147to cool the gelatin mixture. The second liquid gelatin mixture may bepumped through a second liquid gelatin mixture line 145 by a third pump146 coupled in the second liquid gelatin mixture line 145. The secondliquid gelatin mixture line 145 may be coupled on a first end to themixing chamber 132 and on an opposite second end to the chilling block144 for flowing the second liquid gelatin mixture there-between. Pump146 may be a peristaltic pump.

The chilling block 144 may be included as part of the first chillingmodule 147 that cools (e.g., remove heat from) the second liquid gelatinmixture via one or more first heat exchangers 149. The first chillingmodule 147 thus comprises the chilling block 144 and the one or morefirst heat exchangers 149. Further, in some examples, the first chillingmodule 147 may additionally include one or more first thermoelectricdevice 148. For example, the first thermoelectric device 148 maycomprise Peltier chips. The thermoelectric device 148 may also bereferred to herein as chilling device 148 and/or cooling device 148. Thethermoelectric device 148 are thermoelectric converter elements thatcreate a temperature differential between their electrodes when anelectric current is supplied thereto. The thermoelectric device 148 mayreceive electric current from controller 106. Thus, a “hot side” and“cold side” may be developed within the devices 148 in response to thesupplied electric current, with the “hot side” being at a highertemperature than the “cold side.” The thermoelectric device 148 may beorientated and supplied with current such that their “cold sides” allface and/or physically contact a conduit or surface containing thesecond liquid gelatin mixture, and the “hot sides” face and/orphysically contact one or more of the heat exchangers 149. Thus, the“cold sides” may be positioned more proximate a conduit or reservoircontaining the second liquid gelatin mixture and the “hot sides” may bepositioned more proximate one or more of the heat exchangers 149. Assuch, the thermoelectric device 148 may be positioned between one ormore of the heat exchangers 149 and a conduit or reservoir containingthe second liquid gelatin mixture.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the heat exchangers 149 may becoupled to walls of the chilling block 144, on an exterior of thechilling block 144. Specifically, each of the heat exchangers 149 may becoupled to a different wall of the chilling block 144. For example, andas shown in greater detail below with reference to FIG. 16, a first heatexchanger may be coupled to a side wall of the chilling block 144, asecond heat exchanger to a top wall of the chilling block 144, and athird heat exchanger to a back wall of the chilling block 144. Thus, insome example, the chilling module 147 may include exactly three heatexchangers 149. However, in other examples, more or less than three heatexchangers 149 may be included in the chilling module 147.

In examples where the thermoelectric devices 148 are included in thechilling module 147, the devices 148 may be included between thechilling block 144 and the heat exchangers 149. The thermoelectricdevice 148 may be coupled to walls of the chilling block 144 forremoving heat from the second liquid gelatin mixture within the chillingblock 144 via conduction. Thus, the thermoelectric device 148 may be inface-sharing and/or physical contact with the exterior surfaces of thewalls of the chilling block 144. Specifically, the “cold sides” of thethermoelectric device 148 be facing and/or in physical contact with thewalls of the chilling block 144. Further, the “hot sides” may face awayfrom the chilling block 144 and towards one or more liquid heatexchangers 149. Specifically, the “hot sides” of the thermoelectricdevice 148 may be in physical contact with one or more of the heatexchangers 149. The “cold sides” of the thermoelectric device 148 drawheat from the chilling block 144, and thus cool the second liquidgelatin mixture contained within the chilling block 144.

Further, in some examples, each of the heat exchangers 149 may becoupled directly to a thermoelectric device 148, and may integrally forma heat exchange assembly 161. The heat exchange assembly 161 maytherefore comprise one of the heat exchangers 149 and a thermoelectricdevice 148. In some examples, the heat exchange assembly 161 may beconstructed from a thermally conductive material such as aluminum.

However, in other examples, it should be appreciated that one or more ofthe heat exchangers 149 and/or the thermoelectric device 148 may beincluded within the chilling block 144. Specifically, the chilling block144 may include one or more conduits for carrying the second liquidgelatin mixture. The one or more conduits may include a plurality ofturns to increase the length of the fluid path through the chillingblock 144. As such, the surface area of the conduits may be increased,and the amount of heat transfer (e.g., cooling) between the secondliquid gelatin mixture and the heat exchangers 149 may be increased. Theheat exchangers 149 may be included on one or more sides of the conduitsto increase heat transfer there-between. Further, the thermoelectricdevice 148 may be positioned between the heat exchangers 149 and theconduits carrying the liquid gelatin mixture.

Coolant from a coolant tank 150 may circulate through the liquid heatexchangers 149 and absorb heat from the “hot sides” of thethermoelectric device 148. In other examples, where the thermoelectricdevices 148 are not included in the chilling module 147, the heatexchangers 149 absorb heat directly from the second liquid gelatinmixture in the chilling block 144. In this way, by circulating coolantthrough the heat exchangers 149, the temperature of the thermoelectricdevice 148 may be kept below the temperature of the second liquidgelatin mixture in the chilling block 144. Further, the second liquidgelatin mixture may be cooled to a lower temperature than would beobtained if the heat exchangers 149 were not included. Coolant may besupplied to the heat exchangers 149 via one or more first coolant supplylines 151. As the coolant flows through the heat exchangers 149 it maybe warmed. Thus, after flowing through the heat exchangers 149, thecoolant may be directed through a coolant return line 153 to a radiator152 to be cooled.

The radiator 152 may be an air cooled radiator, where heat from thecoolant may be transferred to ambient air. Specifically, one or moreradiator fans 154 may be included to blow air through the radiator 152,increasing heat transfer from the coolant in the radiator to the ambientair flowing there-through. Thus, the temperature of the coolant may bereduced by the air blown from the radiator fans 154. Radiator fans 154may be powered via respective actuators 155. The actuators 155 may beelectric motors and may receive electrical power from the controller106. The controller 106 may therefore adjust an amount of cooling of thecoolant by adjusting operation of the fans 154 via the actuators 155.Thus, the actuators 155 may be physically coupled to the radiator fans154 for rotating the radiator fans based on electrical signals receivedfrom the controller 106.

Coolant may be pumped through the coolant lines 151 and 153 via a pump156. The pump 156 may an electric pump. In some examples, the pump maybe a centrifugal pump. Although the pump 156 is shown in the example ofFIG. 1 to be coupled between the radiator 152 and the coolant tank 150,it should be appreciated that in other examples, the pump 156 may bepositioned in an alternate position in either of the coolant lines 151and 153. For example, the pump 156 may be positioned in the coolant line151 between the coolant tank 150 and the heat exchangers 149. In otherexamples, the pump 156 may be positioned between the heat exchangers 149and the radiator 152. After flowing through the radiator 152 and beingcooled, coolant may return to the coolant tank 150.

It should be appreciated that although a thermoelectric cooling systemis shown in the example of FIG. 1, other refrigeration or coolingsystems may be used to cool the second liquid gelatin mixture, in otherembodiments. For example, a refrigeration system including a compressorand a condenser may be utilized to cool coolant, and circulate the coldcoolant through the heat exchangers 149 to absorb heat directly from thesecond liquid gelatin mixture without the use of the thermoelectricdevice 148. Thus, vapor-absorption and/or vapor compressionrefrigeration cycles may be utilized to cool the second liquid gelatinmixture. Further, the heat exchangers 149 may be configured as one ormore of liquid to liquid, liquid to air, air to liquid, and air to airheat exchangers. Thus, the coolant flowing through the heat exchangers149 may be in the form of liquid or vapor. The heat exchangers 149 mayfurther comprise one or more of a shell and tube heat exchanger, plateheat exchanger, regenerative heat exchanger, adiabatic wheel heatexchanger, etc.

From the chilling block 144, the second liquid gelatin mixture mayreturn to the mixing chamber 132 after having been cooled by thechilling block 144 of the chilling module 147. In some examples, thesecond liquid gelatin mixture may be continually pumped between themixing chamber 132 and the chilling block 144 by the pump 146 for aduration or until the second liquid gelatin mixture has reached a firstthreshold temperature. Thus, the chilling module 147 may cool the secondliquid gelatin mixture to a first threshold temperature.

In other examples, the second liquid gelatin mixture may be pumped tochilling block 144, and may remain in the chilling block 144 for aduration or until it has reached the threshold temperature. Thus, thepump 146 may be turned on to pump the second liquid gelatin mixture fromthe mixing chamber 132 to the chilling block 144. Then the pump 146 maybe turned off once the second liquid gelatin mixture is contained withinthe chilling block 144. Then after the duration and/or when the secondliquid gelatin mixture has reached the first threshold temperature, thesecond liquid gelatin mixture may be pumped back to the mixing chamber132 from the chilling block 144. Thus, the pump 146 may be turned backon to pump the second liquid gelatin mixture from the chilling block 144back to the mixing chamber 132.

The first threshold temperature that the second liquid gelatin mixturemay be cooled to by the chilling module 147 to may be approximately 40°F. However, in other examples, the first threshold temperature may be arange of temperatures between 30° F. and 50° F. The mixing chamber 132and/or chilling block 144 may comprise a temperature sensor forestimating the temperature of the second liquid gelatin mixture includedtherein. Thus, the controller 106 may control operation of the pump 146to continue pumping coolant between the mixing chamber 132 and chillingblock 144 to cool the second liquid gelatin mixture based on signalsreceived from the temperature sensor, until the second liquid gelatinmixture reaches the threshold temperature.

The second liquid gelatin mixture may be pumped back to the mixingchamber 132 via the pump 146. In some examples, the second liquidgelatin mixture may return to the mixing chamber 132 via a third gelatinmixture line 157. The third gelatin mixture line 157 may be coupled on afirst end to the chilling block 144 and on an opposite second end to themixing chamber 132. Further, the second liquid gelatin mixture mayremain in the mixing chamber 132 until it is desired to dispense themixture. In some examples, the first chilling phase may stop, and thusthe second liquid gelatin mixture may stop being pumped between themixing chamber 132 and chilling block 144, after duration, and after theduration the mixture may remain in the mixing chamber 132 until it isdesired to dispense the mixture. However, in other examples, the firstchilling phase may terminate and the second liquid gelatin mixture maystop being pumped between the mixing chamber 132 and chilling block 144once the second liquid gelatin mixture has cooled to the first thresholdtemperature, and may remain in the mixing chamber 132 after it hasreached the first threshold temperature until it is desired to dispensethe mixture. In yet further examples, the second liquid gelatin mixturemay continue to be pumped between the mixing chamber 132 and chillingblock 144 until it is desired to dispense the mixture. For example itmay be desired to dispense the mixture after the mixture has circulatedthrough the chilling 144 for duration. Thus, the second liquid gelatinmixture may continue to be pumped between the mixing chamber 132 andchilling block 144 for a duration, and then once the duration expires,it may be desired to dispense the mixture, and as such, the pump 146 maycontinue to operate until all of the gelatin mixture has been dispensedfrom the mixing chamber 132 and chilling block 144. In another exampleit may be desired to dispense the mixture after the mixture has reachedthe first threshold temperature. Thus, the second liquid gelatin mixturemay continue to be pumped between the mixing chamber 132 and chillingblock 144 until the mixture reaches the first threshold temperature, andthen once the mixture is cooled to the first threshold temperature, itmay be desired to dispense the mixture, and as such, the pump 146 maycontinue to operate until all of the gelatin mixture has been dispensedfrom the mixing chamber 132 and chilling block 144. Thus, when the firstchilling phase is complete, the dispensing of the shots may begin.

To dispense the second liquid gelatin mixture, a pump 159 may be turnedon. The pump 159 may be a peristaltic pump. Controller 106 may turn onthe pump 159 when it is desired to dispense the mixture, such as whenthe second liquid gelatin mixture has reached the threshold temperature,and/or after duration of pumping the second liquid gelatin mixturethrough the cooling module. Pump 159 may be positioned in a dispensingline 158 between the mixing chamber 132 and one or more dispensing heads160. The dispensing line 158 may be coupled on a first end to the mixingchamber 132 and on an opposite second end to one or more dispensingheads 160. In some examples, the dispensing heads 160 may be fluidicallycoupled to the mixing chamber 132 via a common fluid connection.However, in other examples, each of the dispensing heads 160 may includediscrete fluid connections to the line 158. In such examples, an amountof fluid flowing to each of the dispensing heads 160 may be regulatedvia one or more valves (not shown in FIG. 1). Thus, the pump 159, pumpsthe second liquid gelatin mixture from the mixing chamber 132, throughthe dispensing line 158 to each of the dispensing heads 160.

In some examples, approximately 20 dispensing heads 160 may be includedin the device 100. However, in other examples, more or less than 20dispensing heads 160 may be included. The dispensing heads 160 may beincluded in a dispensing manifold 180 positioned vertically above aplurality of cups 164. Thus, the dispensing heads 160 may be configuredto dispense the second liquid gelatin mixture into the cups 164. Cups164 may also be referred to herein as fluid vessels 164. In someexamples, the dispensing heads 160 may be slots included within amoveable sheet 162 of the dispensing manifold 180, and as such, thedispensing heads 160 may also be referred to herein as dispensing slots160.

In some examples, the dispensing heads 160 may remain in a relativelyfixed position while the mixture is being dispensed into the cups 164.Thus, the dispensing heads 160 may only move when switching between thecleaning mode and the dispensing mode. In such examples, the number ofcups 164 may be approximately the same as the number of dispensing heads160. Thus, the device may include approximately 20 cups. However, inother examples, more or fewer than 20 cups 164 may be included in thedevice 100. Further, the dispensing manifold 180 may include holes on abottom wall for dispensing the gelatin mixture into the cups 164. Thus,the gelatin mixture may drop into the cups 164 from the dispensing heads160 via the holes in the dispensing manifold 180.

However, in other examples, the dispensing heads 160 may be translatedvia a motor 166 to which the dispensing heads 160 are physicallycoupled. The motor 166 may translate the dispensing heads 160horizontally. The controller 106 may adjust the position of thedispensing heads 160 via actuation of the motor 166. As such, thecontroller 106 may translate the dispensing heads 160 to a desiredposition. The dispensing heads 160 may for example extend along a lengthof the manifold 180 along the lateral axis 198.

The cups 164 may be arranged in columns extending along a width of atray 168 in which the cups 164 are held, in a direction of the lateralaxis 198, and rows extending along the length of the tray 168, in adirection of the horizontal axis 196 (e.g., in an array). Thus, each ofthe dispensing heads 160 may be aligned over each cup in a row or columnof cups in the tray 168. After filling a row or column, the dispensingheads 160 may stop dispensing the gelatin mixture, and may be movedhorizontally by the motor 166, until they are vertically positioned overthe next row or column of cups 164. Once over an unfilled row or columnor cups 164, the dispensing heads 160 may resume dispensing the gelatinmixture. The motor 166 may continue to translate the dispensing heads160 in this manner until all of the cups 164 are filled with the gelatinmixture. In some examples, the amount of gelatin dispensed into the cups164 may be varied and may not be uniform. The amount of gelatin mixturedispensed by the dispensing heads 160 may be controlled by the pump 159based on electrical power provided to the pump 159 by the controller106.

It should also be appreciated that in some examples, pump 146 and pump159 may pump the second liquid gelatin mixture between the mixingchamber 132 and the chilling block 144. A valve, such as a three-wayvalve, may then be adjusted to direct the gelatin mixture towards thedispensing heads 160. Thus, the valve may be adjusted to flow fluid fromthe mixing chamber 132 or chilling block 144 to the dispensing heads 160when it is desired to dispense the mixture. Thus, both of the pumps 146and 159 may provide a motive force to pump the second liquid gelatinmixture between the mixing chamber 132 and the chilling block 144 tocool the mixture, and between the mixing chamber 132 and the dispensingheads 160 when dispensing the mixture. Thus, in some examples, both ofthe pumps 146 and 159 may remain on during the first chilling of themixture by flowing the mixture between the mixing chamber 132 andchilling block 144, and the dispensing of the mixture.

Tray 168 holds the cups 164 and restricts relative movement of the cups164. In some examples, the cups 164 may be removably coupled to the tray168. However, in other examples, the cups 164 may be permanently securedto the tray 168. The tray 168 may be held in a retainer 170. Together,the tray 168, cups 164, and retainer 170 may comprise a drawer 172. Thedrawer 172 including the tray 168, retainer, 170, and cups 164 may beremovably coupled to the device 100. Specifically, the drawer 172 may beaccessed via a door, and may slide in and out of the housing 102.

Retainer 170 may be coupled to a drawer mount 174 that may be built intothe housing 102. Further, retainer 170 may be slidable into and out ofthe device 100 when a door (not shown in FIG. 1) is opened.Specifically, retainer 170 may slide along a groove in the drawer mount174. The door may be a door (e.g., door 214 shown in FIG. 2 positionedin the front face of the housing 102, in front of the tray 168, as shownin FIG. 2. For example, a user may open the door and then slide thedrawer 172 including the retainer 170 and tray 168, out from the insideof the device 100, thereby revealing the tray 168 to the user. The usermay then load cups 164 into the tray 168, and load the tray 168 on theretainer 170. The retainer 170 may include a number of slots forreceiving the cups 164. Thus, the slots may be sized similarly to thecups such that one cup fits within each slot. After loading the requirednumber of cups, the user may move the drawer 172 back inside of thedevice 100 and underneath the dispensing heads 160 of the dispensingmanifold 180, and close the door. The user may also load the cups 164with fruit, vitamins, supplements, or other consumable products to bemixed with the second liquid gelatin mixture from the dispensing line158.

As described above, the cups 164 may be sized to fit within slots of thetray 168. In one example, the cups and corresponding tray slots may havean oval cross-section with. The diameters of the cross-sections of thecups 164 may increase towards an opening of the cups 164. The diameterof the cross-section of the cups 164 proximate the opening of the cups164 may be slightly larger than the diameters of the slots in the tray168. Thus, the cups 164 may extend partially through the slots in thetray 168, such that the cups 164 may still be supported by the tray 168at their tops. The recesses in the retainer 170 may be sized accordinglyto receive the portion of the cups 164 extending through the tray 168.In alternate embodiments, the cups and corresponding slots may have adifferent cross-section (e.g., circular or square) with a differentsize. For example, the cross-section of the cups may be circular.

Once the second liquid gelatin mixture has been dispensed into the cups164, a temperature of the mixture may be measured via a temperaturesensor such as temperature sensor 173. The temperature of the mixture asestimated based on outputs from the temperature sensor 173 may be usedby the controller 106 to set a countdown timer for a second shotchilling phase, also referred to herein as shot hardening phase. Inanother example, the countdown timer for the second shot chilling phasemay have a pre-set duration that is not based on temperature, and assuch temperature sensor 173 may not be included.

During the second chilling phase, the second liquid gelatin mixture inthe cups 164 may be cooled via a second chilling module 175 to harden(e.g., solidify) the mixture. As described above, the second chillingphase may run for a duration and/or until the mixture in the cups 164has reached a second threshold temperature, the second thresholdtemperature being less than the first threshold temperature. The secondthreshold temperature may represent a temperature at which the shots arehardened. Thus, the second chilling phase may end when the shots arehardened and ready for consumption. Once the second chilling phase ends,the shot-making phase may be complete.

As shown in the example of FIG. 1, the chilling module 175 may bepositioned below the drawer 172. Specifically, the chilling module 175may be physically coupled to a bottom surface of the retainer 170, insome examples. However, in other examples, the chilling module 175 maybe physically coupled to a stationary surface below the drawer 172 thatis not coupled to the drawer 172. Thus, the chilling module 175 mayremain stationary when the drawer 172 slides into and out of the devicehousing 102. The second chilling module 175 may the same and/or similarto the first chilling module 149 described above. As such, the secondchilling module 175 may comprise one or more heat exchangers 177, whichmay be the same or similar to heat exchangers 149 described above.Further, the second chilling module 175 may comprise one or morethermoelectric devices 176 which may be the same or similar tothermoelectric device 148 described above.

The “cold side” of the thermoelectric devices 176 may be positioned suchthat it faces and/or physically contact the bottom surface of the drawer172. As such, the “warm side” may be positioned such that it faces awayfrom the bottom surface of the drawer 172, and towards the heatexchangers 177. Thus, the thermoelectric devices 176 may be positionedbetween the drawer 172 and the heat exchangers 177.

The heat exchangers 177 of the second chilling module 174 may receivecoolant from the coolant tank 150 via a coolant inlet line 178. Afterflowing through the one or more heat exchangers 177, coolant may berouted to the radiator 152 via a coolant outlet line 179. In someexamples, pump 156 may pump coolant through the heat exchangers of thefirst chilling module 147 and the second chilling module 175. Thus, thepump 156 may circulate coolant between the coolant tank 150, radiator152, and both the first and second chilling modules 149 and 175.However, in other examples, a second coolant pump may be included topump coolant through the coolant lines 178 and 179, and the secondchilling module 175. Thus, in some examples, each of the chillingmodules 147 and 175 may include their own pump for circulating coolantbetween the chilling modules and the coolant tank 150 and radiator 152.

In this way, the second chilling module 175 may be used to acceleratethe speed of gelling (e.g., setting) the gelatin-based shots. In oneexample, the shots may be gelled (e.g., cured and solidified) within 10minutes. In other examples, the chilling module 175 may gel the shots ina time less than or greater than 10 minutes. Further, since the chillingmodule 175 may be a water bath chiller, the fluid dispensed within thecups 164 may remain above a freezing point temperature, therebypreventing freezing of the shots. In another embodiment, the chillingmodule 175 may not be included in the device 100. For example, a remotechiller module, similar to the chilling module 175 may be locatedexterior to the device 100 and not within the device 100.

Once the second chilling phase is complete, and the shots are hardenedand ready for consumption, the shot-making process ends. The userinterface 104 may include a progress bar indicating the time remainingin the chilling and/or shot-making process. The user interface 104 mayalso include a light or another type of indicator that indicates whenthe shots are complete and ready for consumption. Thus, the user may benotified when the shot-making process is completed, and the shots areready for consumption. A user may remove the shots 164 from the devicehousing 102 by sliding out the drawer 172.

In some examples, the device 100 may run in the cleaning mode after theshot-making mode ends. However, in other examples, the cleaning mode maybe initiated by the user via selections presented on the user interface104. During the cleaning mode, water or another cleaning fluid may bepurged through one or more of the lines 134, 145, 157, and 159, throughwhich the first and second liquid gelatin mixtures flowed through duringthe shot-making mode. Further, the water or cleaning fluid may be routedthrough one or more of the pod receptacle 107, mixing chamber 132,chilling block 144, and dispensing heads 160. By running water throughthe various lines, reservoirs, and components of the device 100 throughwhich the liquid gelatin mixtures flowed during the shot-making mode,residual gelatin mixture may be removed from the device 100. Thus, anamount of gelatin mixture remaining in the lines and components of thedevice 100 between separate shot-making modes may be reduced by flowingwater through the lines and components of the device 100.

Thus, during the cleaning mode, fluid flow through the device 100 may besimilar to that during the shot-making mode. For example, water from oneor more of the hot water tank 116 and/or inlet port 117 may be directedthrough the line 121 and into the pod 112. Further, pump 130 may beturned on, and fluid from the pod 112 may be routed to the mixingchamber 132. Pump 146 may be turned on, and fluid in the mixing chamber132 may be circulated between the mixing chamber 132 and the chillingblock 144. Further, pump 159 may be turned on, and fluid from one ormore of the mixing chamber 132 and chilling block 144 may be routedtowards the dispensing heads 160.

However, during the cleaning mode, a motor 182 may adjust the positionof the dispensing heads 160 to move them from the dispensing firstposition to a second position. The dispensing heads 160 may be in thedispensing first position during the shot-making process, where in thedispensing first position, the dispensing heads 160 may be aligned overholes in the bottom of the manifold 180, such that fluid from thedispensing heads 160 passes into the cups 164. Thus, the dispensingheads 160 may be in fluidic communication with the cups 164 in the firstposition. However, in the second position, the dispensing heads 160 maybe translated relative to the manifold 180, such that they are notaligned over the holes in the manifold. As such, in the second position,the dispensing heads 160 may not be in fluidic communication with thecups 164.

In the second position of the dispensing heads 160, fluid entering thedispensing heads 160 may be directed to a drain tank 184 that collectswaste fluid from the device 100. Thus, the dispensing heads may befluidically coupled to the drain tank 184 in the second position. Inthis way, the dispensing heads 160 may be selectively fluidicallycoupled to either the cups 164 or drain tank 184 by moving thedispensing heads 160 between the first and second positions. The draintank 184 may hold drained fluid and dispense the waste fluid to drainport 188. The drain port 188 may be in fluidic communication with anexternal fluid drain for draining fluid from the device 100. The draintank 184 may additionally be fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber 132via a drain line 185 and may receive fluid from the mixing chamber 132during the cleaning mode. Specifically, a valve 186 positioned in thedrain line 185 may regulate an amount of fluid drained from the mixingchamber 132 to the drain tank 184. For example, the valve 186 may beclosed during the shot-making mode, and opened during the cleaning mode.In some examples, the drain tank 184 may be removably coupled to thehousing 102. In this way, a user may remove the drain tank 184, to emptyand/or clean the tank 184.

In some examples, the motor 182 may be physically coupled to the sheet162 of the manifold 180 for moving the sheet 162 and dispensing heads160 between the first and second positions. For example, the motor 182may actuate a cam to translate rotational motion of the motor 182 intolinear displacement of the sheet 162 and dispensing heads 160. However,in other examples, a valve, such as a three-way valve, positionedbetween the dispensing heads 160, drain tank 184, and cups 164 may beadjusted to regulate flow from the dispensing heads 160 to either thecups 164 or the drain tank 184 instead of the motor 182.

As explained above, the controller 106 may include wireless connectivityand/or a LAN connection. As such, the controller 106 may communicatewith one or more external devices, such as remote server 105 through thewireless connection and/or the LAN connection. Thus, the controller 106may utilize cloud computing to both store and retrieve digitalinformation such as user inputs and preferences, advertisements, alcoholand pod information, etc. As an example, the remote server 105 maymonitor the functioning of the device 100 through the wirelessconnection. Specifically, the remote server 105 may track a number ofgelatin-based shots and flavors of the gelatin-based shots produced eachday by the device 100. Further, the wireless connection may transferhealth and functionality data from the controller 106 of the device 100such as if there are any errors in the device 100 and whether or not thedevice is working properly. For example, if an error or some sort ofdegradation is indicated, the controller 106 of the device 100 maynotify the remote computer. The device 100 may then be serviced in orderto repair any degraded components of the device 100.

The controller 106 may also send and receive a variety of signals to andfrom various components of the device 100. For example, the controller106 may receive signals from inputs via the user interface 104 (e.g.,alcohol selection, shot type confirmation, start/stop signals, etc.).Specifically, the controller 106 may prompt the user to select a type ofalcohol and/or type of pod before imitating the shot-making process. Auser may select an alcohol type and/or pod type from a list presented tothe user via the user interface 104. However, if the alcohol type and/orpod type is not included in the list presented to the user, the user mayscan the alcohol bottle and/or pod via the scanner 115.

Further, the controller 106 may receive signals from various countdowntimers, from the heater 118, from one or more temperature sensors (e.g.,the temperature sensor 173), from various flow meters, etc. Thecontroller 106 may send signals to components of the device 100 such asone or more valves or valve actuators (e.g., valve 167, valve 122,etc.), one or more pumps (e.g., pump 140, pump 146, pump 156, etc.), theone or more motors (e.g., motor 166, motor 182, motor 143, etc.)

The user interface 104 may include additional buttons or controls forselecting shot-making parameters such as the desired number of shots anddesired type of alcohol, type of pod, desired alcohol concentration,etc. Additional indicators may be present on the user interface 104 suchas a “shots spoiled” indication when the shots are no longer safe forconsumption. Further, various warning indications may be included on theuser interface 104 to indicate degradation of system components or lowlevels of one or more of the fluid reservoirs (e.g., the water oralcohol reservoirs). In some embodiments, the user interface 104 maydisplay fluid levels of each of the water and alcohol reservoirs.

The device 100 may be sized to easily fit on the counter of a bar orrestaurant, for example, without taking up a large amount of space. Forexample, in some embodiments the device 100 has a width of approximately14 inches, a depth of approximately 18 inches, and a height of less thanapproximately 20 inches, although other sizes are possible. The userinterface 104 may be approximately seven inches measured along adiagonal of the face of the user interface 104. In other examples, theuser interface may have a diagonal measurement less than or greater thanseven inches.

Additional sensors to those discussed above may be present in the device100. For example, the hot water tank 116 and alcohol reservoir 108 mayeach include a fluid level sensor for determining the fluid level of therespective reservoir. Further, additional temperature and/or pressuresensors may be included to maintain the fluids at required temperatures.FIGS. 2-17 show the device 100 and its components in further detail. Adescription of a process for preparing the gelatin-based shots isprovided below with reference to FIGS. 18A-20.

Turning now to FIGS. 2-17, they show schematics of the device 100showing the relative sizes and positions of the components within thedevice. More specifically, the perspective views of the device 100 shownin FIGS. 2-6B and 6E-17 may be three-dimensional axonometric projectionsof the device 100, showing the device 100 as viewed from a skewdirection in order to reveal more than one side of the device 100. Assuch, components of the device 100 already introduced and describedabove with reference to FIG. 1 may not be reintroduced or describedagain in the description of FIGS. 2-17. FIGS. 2-17 are drawn toapproximately to scale.

As such, FIGS. 2-17 show the relative positioning of various componentsof the shot-making device 100. If shown directly contacting each other,or directly coupled, then such components may be referred to as directlycontacting or directly coupled, respectively, at least in one example.Similarly, components shown contiguous or adjacent to one another may becontiguous or adjacent to each other, respectively, at least in oneexample. As an example, components lying in face-sharing contact witheach other may be referred to as in face-sharing contact or physicallycontacting one another. As another example, elements positioned apartfrom each other with only a space there-between and no other componentsmay be referred to as such, in at least one example.

As yet another example, elements shown above/below one another, atopposite sides to one another, or to the left/right of one another maybe referred to as such, relative to one another. Further, as shown inthe figures, a topmost element or point of element may be referred to asa “top” of the component and a bottommost element or point of theelement may be referred to as a “bottom” of the component, in at leastone example. As used herein, top/bottom, upper/lower, above/below, maybe relative to a vertical axis of the figures and used to describepositioning of elements of the figures relative to one another. As such,elements shown above other elements are positioned vertically above theother elements, in one example. As yet another example, shapes of theelements depicted within the figures may be referred to as having thoseshapes (e.g., such as being circular, straight, planar, curved, rounded,chamfered, angled, or the like). Further, elements shown intersectingone another may be referred to as intersecting elements or intersectingone another, in at least one example. Further still, an element shownwithin another element or shown outside of another element may bereferred as such, in one example.

Focusing now on FIG. 2, it shows a first exterior front axonometricperspective view 200 of the device 100 shown above in FIG. 1. The devicehousing 102 comprises six substantially flat, planar walls, defining theexterior of the device 100. Specifically, the device housing 102comprises a front wall 202 opposite a back wall 212, a first side wall206 opposite a second side wall 204, and a bottom wall 208 opposite atop wall 210. In view 200, only the top wall 210, second side wall 206,and front wall 202 are visible. However, FIGS. 3-17 described belowprovide other views of the device 100, showing the sides of the device100 not shown in FIG. 2.

The user interface 104 may be positioned on the front wall 202 of thehousing 102. Further, the drawer 172 may be positioned on the front wall202, and may be flush with the front wall 202. A user may pull thedrawer 172, to slide the drawer 172 in and out of the device housing 102to access the tray 168 (not shown in FIG. 2) containing the cups 164(not shown in FIG. 2). Front wall 202 may further include a first door214. The first door 214 may be opened to access the dispensing manifold180 (not shown in FIG. 2). The first door 214 and drawer 172 may bepositioned below the user interface 104 on the front wall 202.

A first side display 201 may be on the first side wall 206 of thehousing. The side display 201 may display images of various alcoholsand/or various advertisements loaded onto the controller 106 (not shownin FIG. 2) of the device 100. Additionally, the side display 501 maydisplay a variety of advertisements stored remotely via a wirelessconnection and/or through cloud computing. In some examples, the firstside display 201 may be configured to display a single static image.However, in other examples, the first side display 201 may be a displayscreen such as LCD, plasma, LED, etc., that may be configured to changethe image it displays based on signals received from the controller 106or remote device.

Door 110 may be positioned on the top wall 210 of the device 100 moreproximate the front wall 202 than the back wall 212. Door 110 may openand close, and may be flush with the top wall 210 of the housing 102when closed. In other examples, the door 110 may be recessed from thetop wall 210 when closed. The door 110 is shown in the example of FIG.2, to be closed. However, the door 110 may be opened to access the podreceptacle 107 (not shown in FIG. 2) and the alcohol reservoir 108 (notshown in FIG. 2). As such, the alcohol reservoir 108 may be removablycoupled to the device 100. The reservoir 108 may have a complementaryfluid coupling (e.g., valves or valve interfaces).

Further, the top wall 210 may include a recess 211 for holding variousbottles containing alcohol or other fluids. The recess 211 may bepositioned behind door 110 closer to the back wall 212 than to the frontwall 202.

FIG. 3 shows a second exterior front axonometric perspective view 300 ofthe device 100 shown above in FIG. 1 where the drawer 172 is shownremoved from the device 100, and the door 110 is shown in an openposition exposing the pod receptacle 107 and alcohol reservoir 108.Alcohol reservoir 108 and pod receptacle 107 may be positioned directlybeneath door 110. Further, the alcohol reservoir 108 and pod receptacle107 may extend from the top wall 210 into the interior of the device100. Alcohol reservoir 108 may be positioned more proximate to the firstside wall 206 than the pod receptacle 107. The pod receptacle 107 may bepositioned directly beneath the injection needle 114. In the example ofFIG. 3, the receptacle 107 is shown loaded with a consumable pod 112.The injection needle 114 may be physically coupled to a bottom surfaceof the door 110. Specifically, the injection needle 114 may be pivotablycoupled to the door 110, such that the needle 114 may pivot relative tothe door 110. The needle 114 is shown in FIG. 3 in a disengagedposition, where the needle 114 does not extend through the pod 112.Thus, the needle 114 faces the bottom of the pod receptacle 107 and theconsumable pod 112. The pod 112 is removably coupled to the receptacle107, and may be inserted and removed by a user.

The drawer has been slid out from the housing 102 in the example of FIG.3, exposing the tray 168, retainer 170, and cups 164 of the drawer 172.A user may remove the tray 168 from the retainer 170, and may remove thecups 164 from the tray 168. As shown in the example of FIG. 3, theretainer 170 may include surface features for sliding relative to thehousing 102. Further the example in FIG. 3 is only a portion of theslots in the tray 168 are filled with cups. It should be appreciatedthat in other examples, the tray 168 may be filled with more or lesscups than as shown in FIG. 3. In some examples the tray 168 may includeno cups. However, in other examples, a user may completely fill all theslots in the tray 168 with cups. The cups 164 are closed on the bottomand sides, and open only on the top surface that faces upwards towardsthe manifold 180 (not shown in FIG. 3). Thus, liquid dispensed into thecups 164 from above the cups 164 is retained within the cups 164.

Turning now to FIG. 4, it shows a first exterior back axonometricperspective view 400 of the device 100. A plurality of air inlets 406may be included on the back wall 212 of the housing 102 to allow air toflow between the external environment and the interior of the device 100(e.g., for cooling purposes). Specifically, the air inlets 406 mayprovide ventilation for a power system and control system of the device100. The power adapter 190 and water inlet port 117 may be coupled toback wall 212 of the housing 102 proximate the bottom wall 208 of thehousing 102, below the air inlets 406. The power adapter 190 may bepositioned closer to the second side wall 204 than to the first sidewall 206. The water inlet port 117 may be positioned closer to the firstside wall 206 than the power adapter 190. Further, the drain port 188may be positioned directly beneath the water inlet port 117.

FIG. 5 shows a third exterior front axonometric perspective view 500 ofthe device 100 shown above in FIG. 1 where the door 214 is open and thedispensing manifold 180 has been removed from the housing 102. Thedispensing manifold 180 may include the sheet 162 which includes thedispensing heads 160 (not shown in FIG. 5), on a top of the manifold180. Further, the manifold 180 may include a retainer 502 which hold thesheet 162 and dispensing heads 160.

Further, the top wall 210 may include a hinge 410 along a back edge ofthe housing 102 where the top wall 210 and back wall 212 interface withone another. The hinge 410 may permit the top wall 210 to pivot relativeto the other walls of the housing 102. Thus, the top wall 210 may beopened to allow a user to access interior components of the device 100.

Turning now to FIGS. 6A-6E, they show more detailed views of thedispensing manifold 180. Focusing on FIG. 6A, it shows an exploded view600 of the dispensing manifold 180 of the device 100. Specifically, FIG.6A, shows a top 603 of the manifold 180. FIG. 6B below shows the bottom605 of the manifold 180. The dispensing manifold 180 comprises theretainer 502 and the movable sheet 162. The movable sheet 162 comprisesa plurality of apertures 606 for receiving and retaining the dispensingheads 160. Further, a top panel 610 may be physically secured to theretainer 502 via one or more screws. One or more springs 612, may beincluded for biasing the movable sheet 162 and dispensing heads 160towards the second position, where the dispensing heads 160 are not influidic communication with the cups 164 (not shown in FIG. 6A). However,in other examples, the springs 612 may bias the dispensing heads 160towards the first position where the dispensing heads 160 are in fluidiccommunication with the cups 164.

Continuing to FIG. 6B, it shows a bottom view 625 of the manifold 180.Specifically a plurality of holes 614 may be included on the bottom 605of the manifold 180, in the retainer 502. Thus, when the dispensingheads 160 are in the first position, they may be aligned with the holes614 in the retainer 502, such that fluid from the dispensing heads 160passes through the holes 614 and into the cups 164 (not shown in FIG.6B).

FIG. 6C, shows a first cross-sectional view 650 of the manifold 180 inthe first position where the dispensing heads 160 are aligned with theholes 614 in the retainer 502. Thus, as shown in the example of FIG. 6C,the gelatin mixture may flow into the dispensing heads 160, through theholes 614 of the retainer 502, and into the cups 164.

In FIG. 6D, a second cross-sectional view 675 of the manifold 180 in thesecond position, where the dispensing heads 160 are not aligned with theholes 614 in the retainer 502, and thus are not in fluidic communicationwith the cups 164. As shown in FIG. 6D, the sheet 162 and dispensingheads 160 included therein have moved horizontally with respect to theretainer 502 relative to their position shown above in FIG. 6C. Thus,the sheet 162 including the dispensing heads 160 may move relative tothe retainer 502 of the dispensing manifold 180 between the first andsecond positions. In the second position, where the dispensing heads 160are not aligned with the holes 614 of the retainer 502, fluid enteringthe dispensing heads 160 may be directed to the drain tank 184 (notshown in FIG. 6D).

FIG. 6E shows a front axonometric perspective view 690 of the dispensingmanifold 180 included within the device 100. Motor 182 is shownpositioned above the manifold 180. The motor 182 adjusts the sheet 162between the first and second positions via actuation of a cam 616. Thecam 616 physically contacts a lip 618 coupled to the sheet 162. Thus,the lip 618 may be coupled to the sheet 162 and may be raised from thesurface of the sheet 162 for interfacing with the cam 616. The motor 182spins the cam 616, and as the cam 616 rotate it displaces the lip 618and therefore the sheet 162 horizontally relative to the manifold 180.Thus, the cam 616 converts rotational motion of the motor 182 intolinear motion of the sheet 162.

FIG. 7 shows a first front axonometric perspective view 700 of thedevice 100, where the first side wall 206 has been removed, and thefront wall 202 has been pivoted to an open position, exposing interiorcomponents of the device 100. On the interior surface of the front wall202, the scanner 115 is shown positioned between the user interface 104and the door 214. Specifically, the scanner 115 may be positioned moreproximate the first side wall 206 (not shown in FIG. 7) than the secondside wall 204. Further, a touch-sensitive button 702 may be included onthe front wall 202 between the user interface 104 and the door 214. Thebutton 702 may be positioned more proximate the second side wall 204than the first side wall 206 (not shown in FIG. 7). The touch-sensitivebutton 702 may enable a user to adjust operation of the device 100. Forexample, the touch sensitive button 702 may be a power button configuredto turn the device 100 on and off.

FIG. 7 further shows the needle 114 in the engaged position, where theneedle 114 has punctured the pod 112, and extends into an interior ofthe pod 112. The first chilling module 147, coolant tank 150, alcoholpump 140 and coolant pump 156 are all shown positioned proximate thefirst side wall 206, immediately interior to the side wall 206. Thus,with the side wall 206 removed as shown in FIG. 7, the coolant pump 156,alcohol pump 140, coolant tank 150, and first chilling module 147 areexposed. The coolant tank may be positioned proximate the bottom wall208, nearer the front wall 202, than the back wall 212. The pump 156 maybe positioned behind the coolant tank 150 more proximate the back wall212 than the pump 156. The alcohol pump 140 may be positioned above thecoolant tank 150. Further, the chilling module 147 may be positionedabove one or more of the coolant tank 150 and pump 156, behind thealcohol pump 140, more proximate the back wall 212 than the front wall202.

FIGS. 8 and 9 show the door 110 open, with the injection needle 114 inthe disengaged and engaged positions, respectively. FIG. 8 shows a firsttop axonometric perspective view 800 of the device 100, where the door110 is open and the needle 114 is in the disengaged position. In thedisengaged position, the needle 114 does not physically contact norextend through the pod 112. The position of the needle 114 may beadjusted via a handgrip 802. Thus a user may hold the handgrip 802, andexert a downward force to move the needle 114 to the engaged positionshown in FIG. 9. Further, one or more hinges 804 are shown, coupling thedoor 110 to the device 100. Thus, the door 110 may pivot relative to thedevice 100 via the hinges 804.

FIG. 9 shows a second top axonometric perspective view 900 of the device100, where the door 110 is open and the needle 114 is in the engagedposition. In the engaged position, the needle 114 extends through thepod 112. Thus, FIG. 9 shows an example where a user has punctured thepod 112 with the needle 114 and adjusted the needle 114 to the engagedposition. In the engaged position, the needle 114 is in fluidiccommunication with the interior of the pod 112.

FIG. 10 shows a first back axonometric perspective view 1000 of thedevice 100, where the first side wall 206 and back wall 212 have beenremoved, and the front wall 202 has been pivoted to an open position,exposing interior components of the device 100. Pumps 159 and 146 areshown positioned directly above the first cooling module 147. Thus thepumps 159 and 146 may be positioned more proximate the back wall 212(not shown in FIG. 10) than the front wall 202 and more proximate thefirst side wall 206 (not shown in FIG. 10) than the second side wall204.

Fans 154 are positioned proximate the bottom wall 208 of the device 100,more proximate the back wall 212 (not shown in FIG. 10) than the frontwall 202. Thus the fans 154 may be positioned near the pump 156, moreproximate the second side wall 204 than the pump 156. Further, fans 154may be positioned between the pump 156 and the water inlet port 117drain port 188, and power adapter 190.

A power supply system 1002 and control circuit board 1004 may bepositioned above the fans 154, directly interior to and facing the airinlets 406 shown above in FIG. 4. The control circuit board 1004 mayinclude one or more of a motherboard, driver board, or other printedcircuit board. Further, the control circuit board 1004 may include thecontroller 106 described above with reference to FIG. 1. The powersupply system 1002 may distribute power supplied via the power adapter190 to various components of the device 100. The control circuit board1004 and power supply system 1002 may be positioned adjacent to oneanother, where the circuit board 1004 is positioned more proximate thefirst side wall 206 (not shown in FIG. 10) than the supply system 1002.

FIG. 11 shows a more detailed perspective view 1100 of the coolant tank150 of the device 100. The coolant tank 150 may include a coolant fillinlet 1102 and/or a thermocouple 1104 positioned on a front side of thecoolant tank 150 that faces the front wall 202 (not shown in FIG. 11) ofthe device 100. The thermocouple 1104 may be configured to estimate atemperature of the coolant in the coolant tank 150. Further, the fillinlet 1102 may be configured to receive coolant. Thus, a user may fillthe coolant tank 150 with coolant via the fill inlet 1102. A vent line1106 and coolant return line 1108 may be included on a top side of thecoolant tank 150. The vent line 1106 may vent vapor from within thecoolant tank 150 to exterior of the tank 150. Further, the coolantreturn line 1108 may receive coolant from one or more of the heatexchangers (e.g., heat exchangers 149 described above with reference toFIG. 1) and/or a radiator (e.g., radiator 152 described above withreference to FIG. 1). Coolant from the coolant tank 150 may then exitthe coolant tank 150 via a coolant exit line 1110 positioned on a backside of the coolant tank 150 between the coolant tank 150 and thecoolant pump 156. Thus, the coolant pump 156 may receive coolant fromthe coolant tank 150. Specifically, the coolant pump 156 may include acoolant inlet 1112 for receiving coolant from the coolant tank 150, anda coolant outlet 1114 for pumping coolant towards the heat exchangersand/or radiator.

FIG. 12 shows a more detailed perspective view 1200 of the chillingmodule 147. A heat exchange assembly 161 of the chilling module 147 isshown coupled to a back wall of the chilling model 147. Thethermoelectric device 148 are shown positioned interior to the heatexchangers 149. The pump 159 and 146 are shown positioned directly abovethe chilling module 147.

FIG. 13 shows a second front axonometric perspective view 1300 of thedevice 100, where the top wall 210, first side wall 206, back wall 212,and second side wall 204 have been removed, and the front wall 202 hasbeen pivoted to an open position, exposing interior components of thedevice 100. Hot water tank 116 and mixing chamber 132 are shownpositioned more proximate the back wall 212 (not shown in FIG. 13) thanthe front wall 202. The hot water tank 116 is positioned more proximatethe second side wall 204 (not shown in FIG. 13) than the first side wall206 (not shown in FIG. 13).

One or more valves 1302 are positioned in front of the hot water tank116 more proximate the front wall 202 than the hot water tank 116. Thevalves 1302 may include flow meters, such as flow meters 128, 124, 169,and 138 described above with reference to FIG. 1. The valves 1302 mayadditionally or alternatively comprise various electrically actuablevalves such as valves 122 167, 120, and 136 described above withreference to FIG. 1. The valves 1302 may therefore control the flow offluid through the device 100.

Motor 182 is shown positioned above the manifold 180 more proximate thefront wall 202 than the back wall 212 (not shown in FIG. 13). The motor182 may further be positioned below the alcohol reservoir 108 and podreceptacle 107. The bottom wall 208 includes a plurality or array ofvents 1304. The vents 1304 may provide a path for ambient air to flowthrough the device 100 to increase heat transfer between the internaldevice components and ambient air, thus increasing cooling of the device100. Motor 126 may be positioned below the pod receptacle 107. The podreceptacle 107 may be rotatable in two directions by the motor 126 alongits center axis which extends along the vertical axis 194.

FIG. 14 shows a second back axonometric perspective view 1400 of thedevice 100, where the top wall 210, first side wall 206, back wall 212,and second side wall 204 have been removed, and the front wall 202 hasbeen pivoted to an open position, exposing interior components of thedevice 100.

Mixing chamber 132 is shown positioned between the chilling module 147and the hot water tank 116. Positioning the hot water tank 116, mixingchamber 132, and chilling module in this configuration increases thecompactness and efficiency of the device 100. Thus, by positioning thehot water tank 116 on the opposite side of the mixing chamber 132relative to the chilling module 147, heat transfer from the tank 116 tothe chilling module may be reduced, and thus the efficiency of thechilling module 147 and the hot water tank 116 may be increased.Specifically, cooling of the hot water tank 116 may be reduced, andwarming of the chilling module 147 may be reduced.

Further, the length of fluid lines, and thus the distance fluid flows inthe device may be reduced by positioning the mixing chamber between 132between the hot water tank 116 and the chilling module 149. Fluid fromthe pod 107 may be directed back towards the mixing chamber 132, and hotwater from the hot water tank 116 may be directed laterally towards themixing chamber 132. From the mixing chamber 132 the gelatin mixture mayflow through the chilling module 149. Motor 143 is shown positionedabove the mixing chamber 132, and may be coupled to a mixing device(e.g., mixing element 142 shown in FIG. 1) within the mixing chamber132, for mixing the gelatin mixture contained therein.

FIG. 15 shows a third front axonometric perspective view 1500 of thedevice 100, where the top wall 210, first side wall 206, back wall 212,and second side wall 204 have been removed, and the front wall 202 hasbeen pivoted to an open position, exposing interior components of thedevice 100. Chilling module 147 is shown with a heat exchange assembly161 positioned on a top of the module 147. One or more electrical wires1502 are shown. The electrical wires 1502 may be coupled to thethermoelectric device 148, and may provide electrical power thereto froma power supply (e.g., power supply system 1002 shown in FIG. 10).

FIG. 16 shows a more detailed back axonometric perspective view 1600 ofthe chilling module 147 including at least one heat exchange assembly161. In the example shown in FIG. 16, the chilling module 147 includesexactly three heat exchange assemblies, each of the heat exchangeassemblies including the heat exchangers 149 and thermoelectric device148. One heat exchange assembly 161 is positioned on a top of thechilling module 147, another heat exchange assembly 161 is positioned ata back of the chilling module 147, and another is positioned on a bottomof the heat exchange assembly 161 opposite the assembly positioned atthe top.

FIG. 17 shows a bottom axonometric perspective view 1700 of the device100, where the walls 210, 208, 206, 212, 204, and 202 have been removed,and exposing interior components of the device 100. The second chillingmodule 175 is shown positioned below the drawer 172 and retainer 170.Specifically, the second chilling module 175 may be physically coupledto a plate 1708. Plate 1708 may not be coupled to drawer 172, and thusmay not move with the drawer 172 when the drawer slides laterally in andout of the device 100.

The second chilling module 172 includes a coolant inlet 1704 and acoolant outlet 1706 for circulating coolant through the heat exchangers177. One or more wires 1702 are electrically coupled to thethermoelectric devices 176 for delivering electrical power thereto fromthe power supply. The drain tank 184 is shown positioned more proximatethe bottom wall 208 (not shown in FIG. 17) than the top wall 210 (notshown in FIG. 17). Further, the drain tank 184 is positioned moreproximate the back wall 212 (not shown in FIG. 17) than the front wall202 (not shown in FIG. 17). Thus, the drain tank 184 is positioned belowmanifold 180, adjacent to the drawer 172, and below the chilling module147, mixing chamber 132 and hot water tank 116, towards the back of thedevice, behind the drawer 172.

The drain tank 184 may include an internal cavity, and may be removablycoupled the device 100. Thus a user may remove the drain tank 184 fromthe device 100. The internal cavity of the drain tank 184 may be adaptedto hold one or more fluids purged from the device 100. Content from thedrain tank 184 may be expelled from the device 100 via the drain port188 shown in FIG. 4.

Turning to FIGS. 18A-B, a method 1800 is shown for preparinggelatin-based shots. Specifically, method 1800 shows a method forpreparing a gelatin-based product (e.g., shots) using a device, such asdevice 100 shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2-17. As described above, thegelatin based product may be a formed gelatin product including alcoholand referred to herein as a “shot”. In other examples, the gelatin basedproduct may not include alcohol. The gelatin-based shot may be formed ina cup or alternative container positioned within the shot-making device,as described above. In one example, instructions for executing method1800 may be stored on a memory of a controller, such as controller 106shown in FIG. 1. As such, the controller may execute method 1800 inorder to operate the device 100 and prepare the gelatin-based shots.

Method 1800 begins at 1802 by determining if a consumable (e.g.,consumable cartridge or pod, such as pod 112 shown in FIG. 1) has beenloaded into the device. As discussed above, the consumable cartridge(e.g., pod) may include an indicator, identifier tag, or otherelectronic label (e.g., microchip) readable by the controller via ascanner mounted within the device (such as scanner 115 shown in FIG. 1).Upon scanning a specific pod at the device, the controller may determinethat the pod is coupled to the device. For example, upon scanning thepod and then inserting a pod into a pod receptacle (e.g., pod receptacle107 shown in FIGS. 1, 3, and 7-9) the controller may receive a signalthat the consumable pod has been loaded into the device. In an alternateexample, the controller may determine that the consumable pod has beenloaded into the device after receiving a signal from a user interface(e.g., user interface 104 shown in FIGS. 1-3) indicating that a user hasloaded the consumable pod into the device. For example, the signal mayinclude a selection of a recently used consumable pod, a selection froma list of available consumable pods, and/or a manual input of theconsumable pod to be loaded into the device. The signal may additionallyor alternatively include a selection from the user interface confirmingthat the consumable pod has been loaded into the device.

If the consumable pod is loaded, the method continues on to 1804 to readthe consumable data. The method at 1804 may include analyzing the dataread from the identifier tag on a side, bottom, or top of the pod uponscanning the pod. The identifier tag may include information such as thevolume of the consumable pod (and how many shots may be made from thepod), the contents of the pod (e.g., flavor), date of manufacture, useby date, and/or the manufacturer. In another example, the identifier tagmay provide a way of authenticating the type and manufacturer of theconsumable pod. In another example, the method at 1804 may includeanalyzing data stored within a memory of the controller for the selectedpod.

At 1806, the method includes determining if the controller has receivedan alcohol selection from a user via the user interface of the device.If the alcohol selection has not been received, the method may display arequest via the user interface display of the device to select analcohol at 1808. In one example, the device may display a list ofavailable alcohol selections and/or the current type of alcohol loadedinto the device.

Once the controller receives the alcohol selection (e.g., via a userinput through the user interface), the method continues on to 1810 toadd heated water to the loaded consumable pod. The pod may form a firstmixing chamber of the device. Specifically, the method at 1810 mayinclude flowing a first volume of water at an upper thresholdtemperature into the mixing chamber formed by the pod. As one example,the upper threshold temperature may be a temperature that is warm enoughto dissolve dry ingredients within the pod. The heated water may bedelivered to the pod via a needle (e.g., needle 114 shown in FIGS. 1, 3,4, 8, and 9) inserted through a top of the pod and into an interior ofthe pod.

At 1812, the method includes determining if a total, or threshold,volume has been achieved. For example, for each selected (or loaded)consumable pod and/or alcohol, there may be a stored recipe for makingthe shots stored within a memory of the device controller. The storedrecipe may include an amount of water (heated water and/or a combinationof heated water and cooler water) for filling the pod and dissolving thedry ingredients. A flow meter attached to a fluid line coupled to theneedle may measure an amount of water injected into the pod. As such,the controller may monitor the volume of water injected into the pod viathe flow meter. If the threshold volume for the current pod has not beenreached, the method continues to 1814 to continue filling the pod withthe heated water and/or fill the pod with additional cooler water.Otherwise, if the controller determines that the total (or target) fluidvolume within the pod has been reached, the method continues on to 1816to imitate mixing of the heated water and the gelatin-based productdisposed within the pod. In one example, the mixing at 1816 includesrotating the pod to mix the heated water with the gelatin-based productdisposed inside the pod to form a liquid gelatin mixture. Rotating thepod may include rotating the pod according to a pre-determined agitationprofile for duration. For example, the controller may rotate the podreceptacle which holds the pod via a stepper motor directly coupled tothe pod receptacle. In one example, the rotating may include rotatingthe pod receptacle back and forth at a rotation angle less than 360degrees, without continuously and repeatedly rotating the pod receptacleby 360 degrees. Further, as described above, a pod may include internalfins positioned along internal sides of the pod to facilitate the mixingand dissolving of the pod dry ingredients with the heated water.

At 1818, the method includes determining if the mixing timer hasexpired. In one example, the controller may rotate the pod receptacle tomix the contents of the mixing chamber (e.g., pod) for a per-determinedamount of time. The pre-determined amount of time may be a totalduration for the agitation profile. If the mixing timer has not expired,thereby indicating that mixing is not complete, the method continues onto 1820 to continue mixing (e.g., by continuing to rotate the mixingchamber). Once the mixing timer expires, the method continues on to 1822to extract the mixed liquid gelatin mixture from the pod. In oneembodiment, the method at 1822 may include extracting the liquid gelatinmixture from the consumable pod via the needle inserted into the top ofthe cartridge. The method then continues on to 1824 to combine theliquid gelatin mixture with the selected alcohol and additional water toform a combined liquid gelatin mixture. For example, the method at 1824may include flowing (e.g., pump-assisted flow) each of the liquidgelatin mixture from the pod, a pre-determined amount of the alcoholfrom an alcohol reservoir positioned within the device, and apre-determined amount of water from a water source, to a mixing chamber(e.g., such as mixing chamber 132 shown in FIGS. 1 and 14-17) positionedwithin the device. Thus, the three fluids are combined together withinan interior of the mixing chamber. The method at 1824 further includesmixing the liquid gelatin mixture from the pod, the water, and thealcohol together within the mixing chamber. As one example, the mixingmay include actuating a mixing element (such as mixing element 142 shownin FIG. 1 via a motor) disposed within an interior of the mixing chamberfor a duration to mix and combine the fluids within the mixing chamberto form a mixed liquid gelatin mixture. In another example, the mixingmay include flowing the three fluids sent the mixing chamber around oneor more stationary tubes or mixing elements positioned within the mixingchamber in order to combine the fluids to form the mixed liquid gelatinmixture.

The method then continues to 1826 (as shown in FIG. 18B) to determine ifthe duration or the mixing chamber time (for mixing the liquid gelatinmixture from the pod, the water, and the alcohol) has expired. As oneexample, the mixing chamber time may be a pre-set value stored withinthe memory of the controller. As another example, the mixing chambertime may be selected by the user and/or based on the selected consumablepod (e.g., the contents of the consumable pod) and type of alcohol). Inthis way, mixing times may be adjusted for different types of alcohol.If the mixing chamber time has not expired, the method continues to 1828to continue mixing the fluids within the mixing chamber (e.g., viacirculating fluid through the mixing chamber or continuously actuatingthe mixing element).

However, if the controller determines that the mixing chamber time (orduration for mixing) has expired, the method continues to 1830 to pump(e.g., flow via a pump) the combined (e.g., mixed) liquid gelatinmixture through a first chilling module. As one example, the firstchilling module may include the first chilling module 147 shown inFIG. 1. The method at 1830 may include recirculating the mixing liquidgelatin mixture through a chilling block (e.g., chilling block 144 shownin FIG. 1) of the first chilling module for a duration, or set pumptime, using a first pump. The recirculating may include pumping themixture through the chilling block and back into the mixing chambercontinuously for the duration. At 1832, the method includes determiningif the set pump time of the first pump (or duration) has expired. If thepump time has not expired, the method continues to 1834 to continuerecirculating the mixture and continue pumping with the first pump.

Alternatively at 1832, if the first pump time has expired, the methodcontinues to 1836 to pump the chilled liquid gelatin mixture to adispensing manifold (e.g., dispensing manifold 180 shown in FIGS. 1, 5,and 6A-E) and into a plurality of cups via the dispensing manifold. Asdescribed above, the plurality of cups may be positioned within a tray,the tray removably coupled to a slideable drawer of the device (e.g.,tray 168 and drawer 172 shown in FIGS. 1 and 3). As explained above inreference to FIGS. 1, 5, and 6A-E, the dispensing manifold may includeone or more dispensing heads or apertures arranged therein. Thedispensing heads or apertures may be aligned over a tope of theplurality of cups and the liquid gelatin mixture may be flowed (e.g.,pumped) into the cups for a fill duration or pump time.

At 1838, the method includes determining if the fill duration of pumptime for filling the cups has expired. The fill duration may be based ona size of each cup and/or a number of cups within the cup tray. If thepump time has not expired at 1838, the method continues to 1840 tocontinue pumping the liquid gelatin mixture into the cups and continuefilling the cups. However, if the pump time has expired at 1838, themethod continues to 1842 to chill the plurality of gelatin-filled cupsfor duration. Chilling may include transferring heat from the cups andcup tray via a second chilling module (e.g., chilling module 175 shownin FIGS. 1 and 17) disposed vertically below the drawer.

After the duration for chilling has expired, the method continues to1844 to purge all fluid from the injection assembly (e.g., dispensingmanifold), fluid lines, and/or needle (e.g., needle of the podreceptacle) of the device and into a drain tank (e.g., drain tank 184shown in FIGS. 1 and 17) of the device. The method then continues to1846 to clean the needle of the pod receptacle.

At 1848, the method includes determining if the second chilling durationhas expired (e.g., determining if a chilling timer has expired). If thechilling timer has not expired, the method continues to 1850 to continuechilling the shots via the second chilling module. Once the chillingduration is complete, the method proceeds to 1852 to indicate that thegelatin-based shots in the cups are complete. The indicating may includedisplaying a visual indicating on the display screen (e.g., userinterface 104 from FIG. 1) of the device and/or emitting an audiblesignal indicating the shots are complete and ready for consumption.

FIG. 19 shows a method 1900 for tracking usage of the device forpreparing gelatin-based shots (e.g., device 100 shown in FIG. 1 andFIGS. 2-17 and described above in the description of method 1800).Instructions for executing method 1900 may be stored on the memory ofthe controller (e.g., controller 106 shown in FIG. 1). As such, thecontroller may execute method 1900 in order to operate the device 100and track device usage.

Method 1900 begins at 1902 by determining whether the device iscurrently running (e.g., powered on and/or currently running ashot-making routine, such as the routine described above with referenceto FIGS. 18A-B). If the device is not running, the method ends.Otherwise, if the device is running, the method continues to 1904 toestimate and/or measure engine operating conditions of the device.Operating conditions may include a power-on time of the device, varioustemperatures received from temperature sensors of the device, variousflow rates received from one or more flow meters of the device,positions of device components, and/or liquid levels of one or moreliquid reservoirs of the device. Operating conditions may additionallyor alternatively include usage data of the device, such as a number ofshot-making cycles run, a number of cleaning cycles run, pod usage(e.g., number and types of pods used), an amount and type of eachalcohol used, an amount of water used by the device, a number ofgelatin-based shots made per day or over a duration, etc.

At 1906, the method includes determining whether the amount of alcoholwithin the alcohol reservoir (e.g., alcohol reservoir 108 shown in FIGS.1 and 3) is less than a threshold amount or level. As one example, thethreshold may be a non-zero threshold that is less than an amountrequired to make a batch of shots. If the amount or level of alcoholwithin the alcohol reservoir is less than the threshold, the methodcontinues to 1908 to notify a user to replenish (e.g., fill) the alcoholreservoir. In one example, the notification may include a visualindication delivered via the user interface of the device. In anotherexample, the notification may additionally or alternatively include anaudible signal and/or a light indicator on the device.

Alternatively at 1906, if the alcohol level is not below the threshold,the method continues to 1910 to transmit the most recent deviceoperating conditions (which may include the device usage data) to aremote server. As explained above, the remote server may be a remotecomputer or server, separate from the device, that is in wirelesscommunication with the device. The remote server may monitor thefunctioning and usage of the device through the wireless connection. Theremote server may receive and analyze the sent data and may track usagedata of the device, as explained above. The remote server may alsomonitor health and/or functionality data sent via the controller of thedevice.

At 1912, the method includes receiving wireless data from the server.The data received at the controller from the server may include anotification or alert to replace or repair one or more components of thedevice, a notification or alert to clean one or more components of thedevice, a notification or alert request to order one or more fluids orpods for the device, etc. At 1914, the method includes determiningwhether the controller has received a notification or alert, asdescribed above, from the server. If no notification or alert has beenreceived the method continues to 1918. However, if one or morenotifications or alerts are received, the method first continues to 1916to display the notification or alert to the user via the user interfaceof the device. The method then continues to 1918 to determine if anupdate has been received at the controller from the remote server. If anupdate, or a request to update the device, is received, the methodcontinues to 1920 to install the received update. The update may includean update to instructions for operating the device or an update to oneor more parameters for operating the device, stored within the memory ofthe controller.

At 1922, the method includes determining whether a report has beenreceived at the controller from the remote server. The report mayinclude one or more of an activity or usage report generated by theserver based on the operating conditions and/or usage data sent to theserver from the device. For example, the report may include details tothe duration of use of the device, a number of batches of shots (ortotal shots) prepared by the device over a duration (e.g., per day,week, month, etc.), an amount of each type of alcohol used, a number ofeach type (e.g., flavor and/or size) of pod used by the device, etc. Ifthe report is received at 1922, the method continues to 1924 to displaythe report to the user (e.g., via the interface). In this way, a usermay track the usage of the device and may make informed decisions onordering components, pods, and/or fluids for use with the device. Thismay increase an ease of use and efficiency of use for an owner of thedevice.

Turning to FIG. 20, a method 2000 is shown for analyzing usage data of adevice, such as device 100 described above. Method 2000 may be executedby a processor of a remote server device (e.g., such as a remotecomputer, as introduced above in the description of FIG. 19) inelectronic communication with the shot-making device. Method 200 beginsat 2002 where the remote server receives one or more user preferences.The server may receive the user preferences directly from a user or fromthe shot-making device via the user interface of the device. The userpreferences may include a desired alcohol type, a desired finalpercentage alcohol of the shots, a desired pod flavor, etc. At 2004, theserver received operational and consumption data (e.g., usage data),such as the operational and usage data described above with reference toFIG. 19, for the gelatin shot making device. At 2006, the methodincludes analyzing the received consumption data (e.g., usage data). Themethod at 2008 includes generating a report based on the received dataand adjusting user preferences based on the analyzed consumption data.As explained above, the report may include one or more of an activity orusage report generated by the server based on the operating conditionsand/or usage data sent to the server from the device. For example, thereport may include details to the duration of use of the device, anumber of batches of shots (or total shots) prepared by the device overa duration (e.g., per day, week, month, etc.), an amount of each type ofalcohol used, a number of each type (e.g., flavor and/or size) of podused by the device, etc. The method then proceeds to 2010 to send thegenerated report(s) to the shot-making device.

At 2012, the method includes demining whether a consumable depletion isimminent. For example, based on the received usage data and storedinventory information (e.g., an amount of pods and/or alcohol availablefor use in the gelatin shot-making device), the server may determinewhether an inventory of pods or alcohol (e.g., certain types of alcohol)are running low and need to be re-ordered. If consumable depletion ofone or more of the consumables used in the device is imminent, themethod continues to 2014 to generate a suggested order based on userpreferences. At 2016, the method includes sending an alert (e.g., viasending an indication to the user interface or an audible alert) to thedevice with a suggested order.

At 2018, the method includes determining whether one or more of thecomponents of the gelatin shot-making device are degraded. The servermay determine degradation of one or more of the device components basedon the received operation and/or usage data from the device. Forexample, the server may receive various temperature, pressure, and flowrate signals from the device that may indicate a level of componentdegradation. If component degradation is indicated, the method continuesto 2020 to send a degradation notification to the device.

At 2022, the method includes determining whether an update to the deviceis available and/or whether the device has been updated since a lastavailable update. If an update is available or needed, the methodcontinues to 2024 to send an update to the device.

An automatic device for preparing a hardened liquid mixture isdisclosed. The device may be configured to mix a powder, such as agelatin powder, protein powder, etc., with one or more liquids, cool theresulting mixture, and serve the mixture into a plurality of servingcups. Thus, the device includes a mixing chamber for mixing the powderwith one or more liquids, a cooling module for cooling and hardening theresulting mixture, and a dispensing system for serving the mixture inthe serving cups. In some examples, as shown in FIG. 3, the device mayinclude an array of shot cups for serving the hardened mixture. Thedevice may additionally include any one or combination of the following:a first chilling module such as first chilling module 147 exemplarilyshown in FIG. 16 for cooling the second liquid mixture prior todispensing the second liquid mixture, and/or a second cooling modulesuch as second chilling module 175 exemplarily shown in FIG. 17 forhardening the second liquid mixture after it has been dispensed into oneor more serving cups, and/or a first mixing chamber such as podreceptacle 107 exemplarily shown in FIG. 13 for mixing the powder withheated water, and/or a hot water tank such as hot water tank 116exemplarily shown in FIG. 15 for providing heated water to be mixed withthe powder, and/or a consumable pod such as pod 112 exemplarily shown inFIG. 8 that contains the dry powder, and/or a second mixing chamber suchas mixing chamber 132 exemplarily shown in FIG. 15 for mixing the mixedgelatin powder and water mixture with an alcoholic liquid, and/or aslideable drawer such as drawer 172 exemplarily shown in FIG. 3containing a plurality of cups such as cups 164 exemplarily shown inFIG. 3 for receiving the mixture and serving the hardened mixture,and/or a dispensing manifold such as manifold 180 exemplarily shown inFIG. 6A for filing the cups, and/or a motor such as motor 182exemplarily shown in FIG. 6 for adjusting the manifold between adispensing mode where a liquid gelatin mixture is dispensed into thecups and a cleaning mode where the device is purged of residual gelatinmixture remaining after the dispensing mode, and/or a first pump such aspump 130 exemplarily shown in FIG. 13 for pumping the mixture from thefirst mixing chamber to the second mixing chamber, an alcohol reservoirsuch as alcohol reservoir 108 exemplarily shown in FIG. 13 for retainingan alcoholic liquid, a second pump such as pump 140 exemplarily shown inFIG. 7 for pumping the alcohol liquid from the alcohol reservoir to thesecond mixing chamber, a third pump such as pump 145 exemplarily shownin FIG. 14 for pumping the mixture between the second mixing chamber andthe first chilling module, a fourth pump such as pump 159 exemplarilyshown in FIG. 14 for pumping the mixture from the second mixing chamberto the dispensing system, and a controller such as controller 106exemplarily shown in FIG. 1 for adjusting operations of the componentsof the device and communicating with an external server.

In one representation, a device for preparing a gelatin-based productmay comprise a pod receptacle adapted to receive a removable consumablepod and including a door with a needle coupled to an interior surface ofthe door, a mixing chamber spaced away from the pod receptacle andfluidly coupled to the needle and a first liquid reservoir, a firstchilling module fluidly coupled to the mixing chamber, a slideabledrawer including a tray including a plurality of slots for receiving aplurality of fluid vessels, and a dispensing manifold fluidly coupled tothe first chiller module and positioned vertically above the drawer. Theabove device may further comprise a second chilling module positionedbelow the drawer and may include a chilling device and a heat exchanger.In any one or more combinations of the above embodiments of the device,the first chilling module may include a chilling device and a heatexchanger, where the heat exchanger may be positioned on a first side ofthe chilling device and where the chilling device may be positionedbetween the heat exchanger and a liquid gelatin interface on a secondside of the chilling device. In any one or more combinations of theembodiments of the above device, the chilling device may include aplurality of thermoelectric chips. In any of one or more combinations ofthe above embodiments of the device, the first chilling module mayfurther include a first pump fluidly coupled with the mixing chamber anda second pump fluidly coupled with the dispensing manifold. Any one ormore combinations of the above embodiments of the device may furthercomprise a hot water tank positioned on a side of the mixing chamberopposite the first chilling module. In any one or more combinations ofthe embodiments of the above device, the pod receptacle may be rotatablevia a motor coupled to the pod receptacle. Any one or more combinationsof the embodiments of the above device may further comprise a housingenclosing the pod receptacle, mixing chamber, first chilling module,drawer, and dispensing manifold within an interior of the housing. Inany one or more combinations of the embodiments of the above device, thedispensing manifold may be removable from the device via a front accessdoor positioned above the drawer. In any one or more combinations of theembodiments of the above device, the housing may include a userinterface coupled to an exterior wall of housing.

In another representation, a device for preparing a gelatin-basedproduct may comprise a pod receptacle adapted to receive a removableconsumable pod, a first chilling module fluidly coupled to the podreceptacle, a slideable drawer including a tray including a plurality ofslots for receiving a plurality of fluid vessels, a dispensing manifoldfluidly coupled to the first chilling module and positioned verticallyabove the drawer, and a second chilling module directly coupled to abottom exterior surface of the drawer. In one example the above devicemay further comprise a mixing chamber positioned between the firstchilling device and a hot water tank. In any one or more combinations ofthe embodiments of the above device, the pod receptacle may include adoor with a needle coupled to an interior surface of the door andwherein the pod receptacle may be rotatable via a motor coupled to thepod receptacle. Any one or more combinations of the embodiments of theabove device may further comprise a motor coupled to the dispensingmanifold for adjusting the dispensing manifold between a dispensingposition where a gelatin mixture is dispensed into the fluid vesselsfrom the manifold, and a cleaning position where a fluid mixtureentering the manifold is drained to a drain tank.

In yet another representation, a method for preparing a gelatin-basedproduct may comprise injecting heated water into a consumable podpre-loaded into a pod receptacle of a device and mixing the injectedheated water with gelatin contents of the consumable pod to form a firstliquid gelatin mixture, transporting the first liquid gelatin mixtureand a first liquid through a first chilling module to form a chilledsecond liquid gelatin mixture, transporting the chilled second liquidgelatin mixture to a dispensing manifold of the device, the dispensingmanifold including one or more dispensing heads, injecting, via thedispensing manifold, the chilled second liquid gelatin mixture into aplurality of cups, and chilling the plurality of cups with a secondchilling module to form a hardened gelatin mixture within each cup ofthe plurality of cups. In one example, the above method may furthercomprise, before transporting the first liquid gelatin mixture and thefirst liquid through the first chilling module, transporting the firstliquid gelatin mixture and the first liquid into a mixing chamber andmixing to form a mixed second liquid gelatin mixture, and thentransporting the second liquid gelatin mixture through the firstchilling module. In any one or more combinations of the embodiments ofthe above method, transporting the second liquid gelatin mixture throughthe first chilling module may be performed via a first pump and whereintransporting the chilled second liquid gelatin mixture to the dispensingmanifold may be performed via a second pump. Any one or morecombinations of the embodiments of the above method may furthercomprise, prior to injecting the heated water into the consumable pod,puncturing a top surface of the consumable pod with a needle attached toa bottom side of a door of the pod receptacle and wherein the injectingheater water may include injecting heated water from a heated water tankof the device, through the needle, and into the consumable pod. In anyone or more combinations of the embodiments of the above method, mixingthe injected heated water with gelatin contents of the consumable podmay include actuating a motor coupled with the pod receptacle to agitatethe pod receptacle about a central axis of the pod receptacle. Any oneor more combinations of the embodiments of the above method may furthercomprise tracking an amount of the first liquid dispensed via the deviceover duration of use of the device and generating data including theamount of the first liquid dispensed over the duration of use of thedevice.

As used herein, an element or step recited in the singular and proceededwith the word “a” or “an” should be understood as not excluding pluralof said elements or steps, unless such exclusion is explicitly stated.Furthermore, references to “one embodiment” of the present invention arenot intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additionalembodiments that also incorporate the recited features. Moreover, unlessexplicitly stated to the contrary, embodiments “comprising,”“including,” or “having” an element or a plurality of elements having aparticular property may include additional such elements not having thatproperty. The terms “including” and “in which” are used as theplain-language equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and“wherein.” Moreover, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. areused merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numericalrequirements or a particular positional order on their objects.

The control methods and routines disclosed herein may be stored asexecutable instructions in non-transitory memory and may be carried outby the control system including the controller in combination with thevarious sensors, actuators, and other device hardware. The specificroutines described herein may represent one or more of any number ofprocessing strategies such as event-driven, interrupt-driven,multi-tasking, multi-threading, and the like. As such, various actions,operations, and/or functions illustrated may be performed in thesequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise,the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve thefeatures and advantages of the example embodiments described herein, butis provided for ease of illustration and description. One or more of theillustrated actions, operations and/or functions may be repeatedlyperformed depending on the particular strategy being used. Further, thedescribed actions, operations and/or functions may graphically representcode to be programmed into non-transitory memory of the computerreadable storage medium in the device control system, where thedescribed actions are carried out by executing the instructions in asystem including the various engine hardware components in combinationwith the electronic controller.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention,including the best mode, and also to enable a person of ordinary skillin the relevant art to practice the invention, including making andusing any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods.The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and mayinclude other examples that occur to those of ordinary skill in the art.Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims ifthey have structural elements that do not differ from the literallanguage of the claims, or if they include equivalent structuralelements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages ofthe claims.

1. A device for preparing a gelatin-based product, comprising: a podreceptacle adapted to receive a removable consumable pod and including adoor with a needle coupled to an interior surface of the door; a mixingchamber spaced away from the pod receptacle and fluidly coupled to theneedle and a first liquid reservoir; a first chilling module fluidlycoupled to the mixing chamber; a slideable drawer including a trayincluding a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of fluidvessels; and a dispensing manifold fluidly coupled to the first chillermodule and positioned vertically above the drawer.
 2. The device ofclaim 1, further comprising a second chilling module positioned belowthe drawer and including a chilling device and a heat exchanger.
 3. Thedevice of claim 1, wherein the first chilling module includes a chillingdevice and a heat exchanger, where the heat exchanger is positioned on afirst side of the chilling device and where the chilling device ispositioned between the heat exchanger and a liquid gelatin interface ona second side of the chilling device.
 4. The device of claim 3, whereinthe chilling device includes a plurality of thermoelectric chips.
 5. Thedevice of claim 3, wherein the first chilling module further includes afirst pump fluidly coupled with the mixing chamber and a second pumpfluidly coupled with the dispensing manifold.
 6. The device of claim 1,further comprising a hot water tank positioned on a side of the mixingchamber opposite the first chilling module.
 7. The device of claim 1,wherein the pod receptacle is rotatable via a motor coupled to the podreceptacle.
 8. The device of claim 1, further comprising a housingenclosing the pod receptacle, mixing chamber, first chilling module,drawer, and dispensing manifold within an interior of the housing. 9.The device of claim 8, wherein the dispensing manifold is removable fromthe device via a front access door positioned above the drawer.
 10. Thedevice of claim 8, wherein the housing includes a user interface coupledto an exterior wall of housing.
 11. A method for preparing agelatin-based product, comprising: injecting heated water into aconsumable pod pre-loaded into a pod receptacle of a device and mixingthe injected heated water with gelatin contents of the consumable pod toform a first liquid gelatin mixture; transporting the first liquidgelatin mixture and a first liquid through a first chilling module toform a chilled second liquid gelatin mixture; transporting the chilledsecond liquid gelatin mixture to a dispensing manifold of the device,the dispensing manifold including one or more dispensing heads;injecting, via the dispensing manifold, the chilled second liquidgelatin mixture into a plurality of cups; and chilling the plurality ofcups with a second chilling module to form a hardened gelatin mixturewithin each cup of the plurality of cups.
 12. The method of claim 11,further comprising, before transporting the first liquid gelatin mixtureand the first liquid through the first chilling module, transporting thefirst liquid gelatin mixture and the first liquid into a mixing chamberand mixing to form a mixed second liquid gelatin mixture, and thentransporting the second liquid gelatin mixture through the firstchilling module.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein transporting thesecond liquid gelatin mixture through the first chilling module isperformed via a first pump and wherein transporting the chilled secondliquid gelatin mixture to the dispensing manifold is performed via asecond pump.
 14. The method of claim 11, further comprising, prior toinjecting the heated water into the consumable pod, puncturing a topsurface of the consumable pod with a needle attached to a bottom side ofa door of the pod receptacle and wherein the injecting heater waterincludes injecting heated water from a heated water tank of the device,through the needle, and into the consumable pod.
 15. The method of claim11, wherein mixing the injected heated water with gelatin contents ofthe consumable pod includes actuating a motor coupled with the podreceptacle to agitate the pod receptacle about a central axis of the podreceptacle.
 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising tracking anamount of the first liquid dispensed via the device over a duration ofuse of the device and generating data including the amount of the firstliquid dispensed over the duration of use of the device.
 17. A devicefor preparing a gelatin-based product, comprising: a pod receptacleadapted to receive a removable consumable pod; a first chilling modulefluidly coupled to the pod receptacle; a slideable drawer including atray including a plurality of slots for receiving a plurality of fluidvessels; a dispensing manifold fluidly coupled to the first chillingmodule and positioned vertically above the drawer; and a second chillingmodule directly coupled to a bottom exterior surface of the drawer. 18.The device of claim 17, further comprising a mixing chamber positionedbetween the first chilling device and a hot water tank.
 19. The deviceof claim 17, wherein the pod receptacle includes a door with a needlecoupled to an interior surface of the door and wherein the podreceptacle is rotatable via a motor coupled to the pod receptacle. 20.The device of claim 17 further comprising a motor coupled to thedispensing manifold for adjusting the dispensing manifold between adispensing position where a gelatin mixture is dispensed into the fluidvessels from the manifold, and a cleaning position where a fluid mixtureentering the manifold is drained to a drain tank.